filling the gap.
a multimedia journalism project by peter afriyie
As one of the most under-resourced areas in the city, most of Washington D.C.’s Ward 8 has been designated as a food desert, an area lacking access to readily available fresh food.
Out of the 82 grocery stores in Washington DC, only four are located east of the Anacostia River, leaving the residents of Ward 8 with limited options. The lack of access to healthy food also perpetuates poverty and contributes to socio-economic inequality.
Through this project, I explore the challenges faced by the residents of Ward 8 and the people who are trying to make a difference, telling the stories of local food activists and community-based organizations that are working tirelessly to bring fresh food and healthy options to this part of the city.
From urban farming and community-supported agriculture programs, to food pantries, I examine the creative solutions being used to combat food insecurity in the area, along with the larger systemic issues that contribute to the existence of food deserts, like limited transportation options along with the systemic racial and economic inequalities that exist in the city.
I hope to raise awareness about the critical issue of food justice in Ward 8 and beyond, and inspire a larger conversation about the need for systemic change and investment in food security in underserved communities. With storytelling through written reporting, photography, and video, I aim to bring the voices of the residents of Ward 8 to the forefront and shed light on the need for a more equitable food system.