In an article on August 19, 2017, AFRO cited D.C. Policy Center Senior Fellow Randy Smith’s work on food deserts:
According to the D.C. Department of Health, in 2010, Ward 8 residents had the highest rates of obesity and were least likely to exercise; the second highest rates in the District were in Ward 7.
Research from the D.C. Policy Center also found that areas in Ward 8—Anacostia, Barry Farms, Mayfair and Ivy City—comprise the majority of the food deserts throughout the city. Food deserts are defined as geographic areas where people have limited access to healthy food.
During a series of conversations with Sibley officials, D.C. community and faith leaders, senior-citizens and students expressed concerns about having access to healthy fruits and vegetables, and the impact that the lack of access has on the community’s well-being.
You can read more in the full article: D.C.’s Sibley Memorial Hospital Launching New Community Health Program | AFRO