Bell County Food Desert?

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Is Bell County, KY a food desert?  The definition of a food desert is an area or region in which no food is produced locally. So the answer is yes, Bell IS a food desert and the only choices for the residents are Fast-Food and Chain Store Supermarkets. No wonder the residents of Bell County aren’t eating healthy!

Someone has to say it, so here goes: Bell County does not have a locally based food economy. Sure, we have great agrarian zones, and several of our citizens claim that their profession is “farmer,” but why is it that fresh and local Bell County produce is not available? I ask a lot of questions (some of which has no answer) to get you to open your mind, and think about the importance of a local food economy.

“So why don’t the chain stores and supermarkets count as a local food economy?”—You may ask. Well the answer is simple. For starters, these giant food distributors import food from out of the region. Secondly, the money they make from the imported food is sent out of the area to a corporation who runs the chain stores. This is ideal for a capitalist on Wall Street, but not very great for the struggling local economy.

Let’s talk solutions. The only way to combat a cash swallowing monster is simply refuse to feed it. Residents of Bell County need to find ways to spend our money more locally. Food is probably the number one item bought by a household, so it would make more sense to buy your food locally. However, Bell does not sell local food! So it is up to you, me, and the leaders of Bell County to make that change.

My idea is that two Farmer’s Markets should be started in Bell County (one in Middlesboro and one in Pineville) with the hopes that farmers and farm businesses can begin to produce one or more products to sell locally. The business rule is that if there is a market for an item, there will be someone there to provide it. Farmers and Ag Businesses need to be enticed to take advantage of a food market. If anything, they can do it for the money. All the other pros to starting a Farmer’s Market will take care of themselves, such as the increased revenue in the local economy, healthier food choices, and agriculture education for both kids and adults alike.

Talk with your extension agent, local politician, or teacher (if you are in school), and explain the benefits of a locally-based food economy.

Disclaimer: I am not a supporter of Occupy Wall Street, but rather a local citizen who believes that people should educate themselves about who is really taking their best interests at heart.