During the SGIM (Society of General Internal Medicine) meeting which I mentioned yesterday, one of the theme plenary session abstracts discussed the lack of healthy foods in poor neighborhood groceries. Given that background, I love this story - Chicago Neighbors Plot A Way to Healthier Food: With Produce Scarce, Residents Grow Their Own.

On three vacant lots behind their home, the Redmonds have installed two dozen raised garden plots to grow tomatoes, peppers and greens. In a place once overgrown with weeds, and littered with broken concrete and trash, they have created an inviting place where neighbors gather. "You're planting those tomatoes too deep," said one who stopped by to help.

In addition to the garden, the Redmonds have started a Saturday farmers market, where farmers sell fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables. And as a way to broaden access, they won government approval to accept electronic food stamp cards.

"It's one of the first farmers markets available in low-income neighborhoods that sells the yuppie chow that you tend to associate with wealthier neighborhoods," said Michael Marcus, a senior program officer at the Chicago Community Trust, which has provided $205,000 to the project. "What LaDonna has decided is that poor people deserve a shot at the same kind of food. This is a real breakthrough."

The farmers market, and the gardening project, are part of an improvement plan for Chicago's Austin community that envisions a year-round community grocery cooperative that would sell fresh meats and vegetables and offer cooking classes.

This story suggests a positive model for improving diet and therefore health in disadvantaged neighborhoods. I wish them success and publicity!