PHOENIX— Nika Forté remembers her tough days as a single mom in Phoenix. To find fresh food, she would gather her kids and walk a mile and a half to the grocery store, often in the scorching summer heat. “It was a long trek,” she said.
Originally from Detroit, Nika founded Heart & Soil People’s Garden in South Phoenix to tackle the challenges of living in a food desert. These areas lack access to nutritious food, according to the USDA.
This week, the garden celebrated the opening of a new Garden Education Center, showcasing an expansion of Nika’s mission. Out of Arizona’s 55 food deserts, 42 are in Maricopa County, with many located in District Eight, represented by Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington. She attended the ceremony and emphasized the garden’s positive impact on the community.
“It’s a chance to tackle a real problem,” the vice mayor said. “Partnerships help us address food deserts effectively.”
Research confirms the importance of healthy food access. Dr. Daniel Wiese, a senior scientist at the American Cancer Society, co-authored a study linking diet to life expectancy. “A healthy diet is essential for a longer, healthier life,” he noted, highlighting how limited access to healthy food contributes to issues like obesity and diabetes.
According to a study in the Journal of Urban Health, poverty-stricken neighborhoods face higher health risks due to poor nutrition. This correlation suggests that improving food access could lead to better community health.
Nika didn’t always dream of gardening. Her journey began humbly, growing plants in buckets at home. “I discovered my talent for gardening,” she said, and soon Heart & Soil expanded, aided by the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.
At the ribbon-cutting, Kimber Lanning, founder of Local First Arizona, stressed the importance of teaching children about food origins. “It’s a unique learning moment that shapes their understanding,” she said.
Renee Parsons, who directed over one million dollars to the garden, also highlighted her passion. “When I met the women here in April 2023, I was deeply inspired by their work,” she recalled.
Nika’s smile shined as she guided visitors through the garden. She plans to bring gardening to low-income apartment complexes, recalling her own struggles. “It was always a choice between food or paying bills,” she shared, showing her commitment to making a change.
With ongoing efforts, Heart & Soil People’s Garden remains a shining example of community resilience, addressing the urgent issue of food deserts in Phoenix.
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