Detroit organization promotes urban farming amid food insecurity

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Affordability remains the main talking point ahead of the 2026 midterms, and food accessibility is one issue voters may consider when heading to the polls.

It’s estimated around 53 million Americans live in what’s called a “food desert,” lower-income areas without easy access to supermarkets or grocery stores.

Most of those people live in urban areas, where fast food and convenience shops replace healthy, nutritious foods as the most affordable option.

Food insecurity is economic, but it also relates to community and health, with a higher risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer in areas with low access.

In Michigan, organizations like the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network are advocating for urban farming and food sovereignty. The network encourages locals to eat healthy produce grown by themselves or their neighbors.

Aisha Ellis, farm manager for the network, said she has seen a difference in the 20 years the network has been in operation.

“You would start seeing people more regulated health wise. You’ll see people come back to life, participating. And you start creating different food traditions in your home,” Ellis said.

Through a local food co-op, an organic farm and meetings with local governments, the network is using Detroit as the launching point. Its goal is to spread the mission to other cities.

According to the Detroit Food Policy Council, 69% of Detroit households experience food insecurity.

Urban farming is one solution for food insecurity, but Ellis also said the organization works on policy - meaning access to food is also on the ballot Tuesday.