By next spring, more than $250,000 will have been spent on nutrition education and planting at least 50 community gardens in inner-city communities.
The goal is to curtail obesity-related illnesses by supplying people with fruits and vegetables, but some residents say it might be more helpful to have a grocery store where they could buy healthy food in their neighborhoods.
“I am a strong supporter of community gardens,” said Avondale resident James Moreland. “I’m also a strong supporter for a first-class grocery store so that people can buy fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. That’s the only way you’re going to deal with childhood obesity.”
Moreland is among several Chattanooga residents petitioning for grocery stores and gardens to improve accessibility to fresh produce for inner-city residents.
There are 7,776 people in Bushtown/Highland Park, and another 8,117 in the East Chattanooga community bordering Bushtown, but neither area has a full-service grocery.