COLUMBIA, SC – The White House announced the City of Columbia, SC is featured in the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities Challenge for the Grocery Access Pilot (GAP) program.
The GAP program is a partnership between the City of Columbia and Instacart that provides qualifying residents with a complimentary Instacart membership and a monthly stipend to cover service fees. The program works to give those who live in a food desert, classified by the USDA as someone living more than one mile away from the nearest grocery store in an urban area, and who have limited access to groceries a way to access fresh and healthy food options.
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann shares his excitement for the continuation of the GAP program and to be included in the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities Challenge.
“As a part of the Challenge, we hope to show our continuous commitment to reducing food insecurity and building a healthier community,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Columbia hopes to serve as an example to other cities that face similar struggles and need innovative solutions.”
A 2020 report conducted by the City’s Food Policy Committee said more than 65,000 Richland County residents are in need of more equitable food access. The City of Columbia remains committed to helping residents who need access to fresh and healthy food options by trying new things like launching the GAP program.
View the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities Challenge features here.