Las Vegas faces a big challenge with food insecurity. Many people struggle to find fresh and healthy food, especially in certain neighborhoods.
To help, The Obodo Collective teamed up with the Southern Nevada Health District to open a new produce store in the Historic Westside. This area has seen a decline in access to fresh food for many years.
“Once, this community had plenty of markets and restaurants. But things changed in the 1980s and 1990s,” explained Claytee White from UNLV. “Issues like drug problems and urban integration hurt local businesses.”
Today, about 50 million Americans live in homes where food is not always available. That’s nearly 13.5% of households, an increase from the previous year. Single-parent families, especially those led by women, are hit hardest, with over one-third facing food insecurity. In Clark County, nearly 15% of people, or about 331,420 individuals, struggled with food access in 2022.
Cheyenne Kyle, a food programs coordinator at The Obodo Collective, highlighted the need for healthy food. “We want to bring more nutrient-rich options to our community,” she said.
The store works closely with the Obodo Urban Farm, which grows a variety of fresh produce. This farm not only provides fruits and vegetables but also promotes sustainable farming. It cultivates everything from healthful herbs to native desert plants.
The market aims to serve around 720 households within a half-mile radius, making fresh food accessible to many. “We’re developing real solutions to help our community,” shared Kyle.
Community member Beverly Rodgers emphasized the importance of this store. “Many people lack transportation and can’t carry groceries home, so this store is needed,” she stated.
Despite rising prices in larger supermarkets, Kyle assured customers that their produce will remain affordable. “We don’t want to price anyone out. Affordability is key to food access,” she added.
Local residents expressed excitement about the store’s opening. “It’s fresh food within walking distance, and that’s a game-changer,” said Rodgers.
The store will also accept SNAP benefits, making it easier for families to buy healthy food in this underserved area.
