The YMCA of Burlington and Camden County Challenges Community to Take the Y's Food Desert Challenge

More than a million Americans live in a “food desert,” meaning they live in an area where people need to travel over half a mile in urban areas or over ten miles in a rural area to access healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. To bring attention to this issue, From July 22 through July 24, the Y is challenging residents in Burlington and Camden counties to participate in the YMCA’s Food Desert Challenge.

For three days, community members are challenged to only spend $5 a day at a convenience store, gas station or corner store. The Y hopes participants will walk away from the experience with a new-found understanding of what it means to live with food insecurity. Those who participate in the Y’s Food Desert Challenge are encouraged to talk about their experience both with their families and on social media using the hashtags #FoodDesertChallenge and #TheYFeedsKids.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2014 48.1 million Americans—of which 15.3 million are children under 18—lived in a household with food insecurity, defined as being unable to consistently access nutritious and adequate amounts of food necessary for a healthy life. No community is safe from food insecurity; it exists in every county in the U.S. ranging from 4 percent of the population in Slope County, N.D. to 33 percent in Humphreys County, Miss.

“Children within our own community rely on free and low-cost lunch plans during the school year, and they’re at risk of going hungry when school’s not in session,” said Tim Kerrihard, President and CEO, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “The Food Desert Challenge is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about hunger, and to think about ways that they can help people here in Burlington and Camden counties who face hunger on a daily basis.”

The Y is dedicated to nurturing the potential of all youth, but hungry children cannot reach their full potential without help. Research shows that without enough nourishment, children do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement because they are not prepared for school and cannot concentrate.

“The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties works to ensure that all children achieve their potential by offering programs that feed children physically, as well as mentally,” said Kerrihard.

About the Y

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 70+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.