Food Oasis
In the Library Commons, bright circles carry messages of need and hope from the Food Oasis. What is a food desert or a food oasis? A food desert is an area that has limited access to food that is plentiful, affordable, or nutritious especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Conversely, a food oasis is an area with greater access to healthy food options and stores with fresh foods.
St. Paul helps gather these healthy food options for the Friendly House in Davenport through larger grocery gatherings three times each year, but food can be dropped off all year round. Previously less accessible, this food drop-off location contains pictures, notes of need, facts about food and food insecurity, and more.
About the Friendly House Food Pantry
Located on Myrtle Street on the west side of Davenport, the Friendly House responds to the needs of children, families, and seniors by providing programs and services to improve their lives. Preschool, childcare, and afterschool care, emergency assistance with vouchers and bus tokens, and senior programming are just a small part of their mission. Their food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and serves a large subset of west/central Davenport residents.
Laura Chester
I love this article informing others of food deserts. So important for the community to support others with less access to nutritional foods. A world-wide problem along with food waste we need more solutions for!