Schools, Churches Are A Vital Resource In Sacramento's Food Deserts

In some Sacramento neighborhoods, people are going hungry. But schools and churches are working to help families who live in "food deserts."

The federal government defines "food deserts" as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. For some, convenience stores are the closest option.

The "Avenues" area of South Sacramento is one of those areas.

Ebenezer Christian Center Pastor Karen Abrego says many families there are "food poor."

She says the center started a grocery distribution program to serve them.

"The families who didn't want to say anything about the fact that they didn't have food for their children, started showing up to volunteer for the program and then getting in line to receive the groceries themselves," says Abrego.

Abrego says many of the people who pick up groceries are single mothers with two-wheeled shopping carts.

She says an increasing number of senior citizens are also picking up food at the center.