West Virginia Communities Respond to a Growing Number of Food Deserts

Communities in West Virginia are organizing and working to fill their needs for healthy, fresh food as grocery stores in the region close.

1 minute read

July 15, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"People in more than 40 counties in West Virginia endure some sort of limited food access, and the number is growing as more and more grocery stores close their doors," according to an article by Roxy Todd and Jessica Lilly.

The article also explores some of the grassroots responses to the proliferation of food deserts in Appalachia, including the example fo the city of Alderson.

"When the grocery store in Alderson closed, the community worked to find local resources with hopes of becoming self-sufficient. A local co-op expanded to create the Green Grocer. The project received two grants from the One Foundation. But its largest chunk of cash came from donors to an Indiegogo campaign. People from across the world sent a total of $31,000 to help the cause."

Also contributing to the efforts in Alderson was an organization called Grow Appalachia, which runs out of Berea College in Kentucky. The article lists many more examples of organizations and communities mobilizing to provide fresh, healthy food to communities throughout Appalachia.

Friday, July 10, 2015 in WV Public Broadcasting

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

3 minutes ago - CNBC Marathon

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

Major League Baseball Stadium

Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola

A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.

March 27 - Los Angeles Times

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.