Roadside farm stands in these areas provide access to fresh, affordable options in the summer months but are closed during the off season. The more remote rural areas, small grocery stores are less likely to have fresh produce options. Lack of income and transportation contribute to food insecurity for both rural and urban populations in Chautauqua County. Physical access to healthy produce and full grocery stores is especially difficult in some areas of the county. Numerous challenges exacerbate food insecurity in Chautauqua County, and these challenges differ for residents living in the cities of Jamestown and Dunkirk, compared to those living in more rural areas. 11 Community stakeholders report that people with limited or fixed incomes struggle to afford nutritious food. 9 Food insecurity is highest among senior citizens, people living on bordering reservations, and minority populations.10 Over one-third (34.79%) of students in the county are also eligible for the National School Lunch program. Estimates suggest that in 2014, 13% of the county’s population (17,300 residents) was food insecure. Food Security: Challenges and Opportunitiesįood insecurity is a pressing concern for many residents in Chautauqua County. 8 Other minority groups include growing Amish communities and a small Native American population. 8 Black people comprise 2.7% of the population. 8 The county is 94% white, but there has been a recent minor demographic shift. Hispanic and Latino people comprise 6.8% of the population, a proportion that has slightly increased in the past two decades. 4 The median household income for the county ($42,429) is well below the state median ($58,003).8 Although home ownership is common (69.1%), the median value of housing units ($83,500) is also significantly below the state median ($288,200). Nearly 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, and the percentage of families in poverty is higher for families with children younger than five years old (37.1%) and for single mothers with children younger than five years old (67.4%). The poverty rate in Chautauqua County has risen steadily over the last 15 years. 7 The education and health-care industries, similar to statewide averages, employ the largest percentage of the workforce (27.7%), and manufacturing jobs comprise 17.4% of employment, significantly higher than the statewide average of 6.6%.4 Employment in agriculture, forestry, and fishing in the county (2.5%) is also higher than the statewide average (0.6%), positioning the county to leverage food and agriculture as a form of economic development in response to the stagnant manufacturing and industrial economy. 6 Unemployment also varies seasonally, being higher in winter months and lower in summer months. 5 In line with the rest of the rustbelt region, the county experienced a loss of manufacturing jobs and a steady decline in the percentage of the labor force employed in the manufacturing industry. 4 The unemployment rate for the county is approximately 6.1%, consistent with the New York state average, but is significantly higher (18%) for young people and minority populations. Nearly 20,000 people have left the county over the last 40 years, reducing the population to 133,556. Today, Chautauqua County faces a shrinking and aging population, declining industry and manufacturing, and stagnant low household incomes. 2 Nearby Fredonia is home to the nation’s first Grange Hall, established in 1868 and still operating today. Charles Welch built the first grape juice plant in Westfield in northern Chautauqua County. 1 In addition, the history of the county is deeply rooted in the agricultural economy. Two small cities, Jamestown and Dunkirk, and 27 towns comprising the county are dotted with lakes. Natural resources, shown in Figure 1 and 2, provide abundant space for recreational activities such as hiking, biking, boating, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. The county boasts the second highest number of farms in New York state, including half of New York’s grape acreage and more Concord grape acreage than in all counties in the United States. A sizeable dairy industry, valuable timber stands, small- and mid-sized vegetable producers, and a large food and agriculture manufacturing industry are integral to the economy. The county sits on the shore of Lake Erie. Image Source: Jason Toczydlowski, CHQ Local FoodĬhautauqua County, the westernmost county in New York state, is home to a strong agricultural base, abundant natural resource amenities, and small-town rural charm.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |