In an effort to address the health disparities that plague northwest Jacksonville, Mayor Lenny Curry has issued a community health challenge that the Clara White Mission has accepted. The challenge…to find ways to bring healthy food options to citizens living in areas considered as food deserts.
This Sunday, the mayor will host the city’s first “Farm to Faith” event, an initiative that brings fresh produce to local churches for purchase by church and community members following services. The first sale will take place at The Bethel Church, located in Health Zone 1 (32202). In addition to the fresh produce provided by White Harvest Farms, a subsidiary of the Clara White Mission, healthy recipe cards will be distributed by the city’s UF Extension office.
Northwest Jacksonville, specifically Health Zone 1 (ZIP codes 32202, 32204, 32206, 32208, 32209, 32254), is a community facing a number of health-related challenges, including food deserts - a geographic area where healthy, affordable food is hard to obtain. Since taking office, Mayor Curry has remained committed to improving the safety and well-being of Jacksonville citizens by identifying health-related challenges and issues plaguing our city, and establishing resources and support to address them.