Event aims to eliminate “food deserts” in Solano County

July 28, 2016

SOLANO COUNTY – More than 500 Solano County residents who have trouble accessing healthy, fresh food are anticipated to participate in a "Food Oasis" event on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo.

Together they will try to answer the question, “How do you turn a food desert into a food oasis?”

This free, community event is coordinated by County Supervisors Linda Seifert and Erin Hannigan and will feature free food, food preparation and cooking demonstrations, food distribution and food storage tips.  Food educational experts will also be on hand to show guests ways to incorporate healthy eating as part of their everyday routine – as healthy eating directly affects health.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Attendees can get their free tickets to the event at SolanoFoodOasis.BrownPaperTickets.com.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a “food desert” as someone living more than a mile away from a grocery store in urban areas.  Even those living near a grocery store may be unable to regularly access healthy, fresh food because of lack of transportation or low income.

“Solano County is the 'perfect storm' for the “food desert” issue,” said Linda Seifert, Solano County District Two Supervisor.  “We have higher poverty rates, fewer grocery stores, more fast food outlets and high numbers of workers spending long hours commuting out of the County.”

Given these challenges, the data showing that Solano County residents suffer higher rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease than many other counties are not surprising.

“We all have a stake in eliminating food deserts,” said Erin Hannigan, Solano County District One Supervisor.  “Eating healthy, having access to fresh food and exercising are all linked to better school performance and workplace productivity.  Eliminating food deserts will also decrease health costs and the human toll of chronic diseases.”

The Food Oasis event will feature Congressman Mike Thompson as the keynote speaker at a pre-event Policy Breakfast for government, business and community leaders.  The policy breakfast aims to assess policy directions such as zoning and planning guidelines, and highlighting businesses that are improving both accessibility and marketing of fresh, healthy foods.

The event is co-sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the Solano County Board of Supervisors and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.  Free transportation to and from the event will be provided by SolTrans and FAST transit systems, which will offer free rides on their scheduled bus service to and from the event.

Other partners offering food and services for the event include:
Area Agency on Aging-Napa and Solano Counties, Children’s Network of Solano County, First 5 Solano, Florence Douglas Sr. Center Gardening Club, Master Gardeners of Solano County, Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market, Senior Coalition of Solano County, Solano Coalition for Better Health, Solano County Administrator’s Office, Solano County Department of Agriculture, Solano college Horticulture Dept., Solano County Department of Information Technology, Solano County Health and Social Services (Public Health, Medical Services and Employment & Eligibility Services), Solano County Library, Touro University, Vallejo People’s Garden and the Vallejo Police Department.

For more information, visit FoodOasis.SolanoCounty.com or contact Christina Arrostuto, District Representative to Supervisor Linda Seifert at (707) 784-3004 / [email protected].

IF YOU GO:The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
Register at SolanoFoodOasis.BrownPaperTicket.com.