Not Everyone Can Afford to Eat Healthy Food

The importance of dietary health and access to fresh fruits and vegetables is becoming a hot topic. The USDA is investing in efforts to bolster nutrition and food security for underserved communities. People need to be able to afford healthy fresh fruit and veggies, so that they are not forced to choose between healthy eating and less healthy options. A staggering 38% of households in Sarasota struggle to afford basic needs.

We know that good nutrition means better health. Mental health can be improved and children do better at school. Good nutrition means less risk of chronic disease and a chance to improve current health issues. Yet cheaper food generally means over processed options. Eating healthy can be expensive.

Our volunteers and our three food rescue programs work toward filling the gaps in access and affordability by harvesting and “rescuing” fresh healthy produce that might otherwise be wasted. By harvesting excess veggies at local farms, harvesting unwanted backyard fruit, and picking up leftover produce at farmers markets, we are able to provide free nutritious produce to local food banks and pantries. That means that people who are struggling financially will be able to eat more healthily.

Another benefit is that all that food did not end up in the landfill and wasn’t left to rot on a farm. Since Transition Sarasota began in 2010, we have prevented 522,000 pounds of produce from being wasted. We instead provided that fresh produce to our local folks. It is great to think that the importance of nutrition is gaining awareness…but in the meantime, our food rescue programs are a critical local resource for the underserved in our community.

Joyce Norris, Executive Director - Transition Sarasota