While often seen as a uniquely rural problem, advocates have identified a food desert in the heart of Rapid City.
The Black Hills Area Community Foundation commissioned the report from the Augustana Research Institute last year. The assessment found one food desert in the wider North Rapid neighborhood, and a second, smaller food desert west of the gap.
Nicole Schlabach is the foundation’s strategic communications manager.
“There is a clear need for more charitable resources, specifically food pantries open to anyone in need of support, after 5 pm or on the weekends," Schlabach said. "Especially in the areas of greatest need.”
That’s not the only need though, as resources are only valuable if they’re accessible. That makes a strong public transit network part of the solution as well.
“Food resources are, I think, an open door to stabilizing services," Schlabach said. "It’s not just about that immediate, basic need of food. It’s important everyone has consistent, reliable access. We don’t want people to be spending a disproportionate amount of time coordinating logistics of systems of support, transportation, and their basic needs.”
The area most in need, Schlabach said, is North Rapid. Specifically, northwest of downtown and between North Street and I-90.
“75 percent of those residents live at least a mile from a grocery store, and the poverty rates range from 27 to 33 percent, which is significantly higher than Rapid City as a whole,” Schlabach said.
Schlabach encourages anyone interested in assisting to contact the Black Hills Area Community Foundation directly.