This new online Columbia map shows where to find healthy, fresh food in the city. Take a look
Columbia has launched an online map that pinpoints where to find healthy, fresh food across the city.
The city, along with the Columbia Food Policy Committee, created the food access GIS map, which includes grocery stores, farmer’s markets, food pantries, FoodShare produce box sites and free summer meal locations for children 18 years old and younger.
“We are excited to see technology being used for our citizens to make healthy choices,” Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said in a press release. “The Columbia Food Policy Committee has taken a great step to connect local businesses and our residents and create more positive health outcomes.”
The committee formed to address problems found within food production, consumption, processing, distribution and waste disposal, the press release states. Its primary focus is to find solutions to problems that promote sustainability, economic development and social justice in the food system of Columbia and surrounding areas.
“As traditional grocery stores have closed in certain areas, several grassroots organizations have stepped up to fill the void,” said Councilwoman Tina Herbert. “However, these organizations often don’t have marketing budgets to get the word out and can be under-utilized. The map created by the Food Policy Council will help connect more people to the healthy food options that are available in the community.”
As the map is updated throughout the year, residents and organizations are encouraged to include food accessible sites by emailing the Columbia Food Policy Committee at columbiascfpc@gmail.com.
The map can be found by visiting https://gis.columbiasc.gov/
This story was originally published June 21, 2022 at 11:32 AM.
