How We Will End Food Deserts in Schenectady

Why This Matters

Too many Schenectady neighborhoods lack reliable access to fresh affordable food. Families are surrounded by convenience stores but forced to travel far for basic groceries. This is not a market failure alone. It is a policy choice.

Food access is health access. Ending food deserts improves outcomes for children seniors and working families while keeping dollars local.

The Policy

Schenectady will build a local food system that uses land creativity and partnerships to bring fresh food directly into neighborhoods.

Turning Vacant Lots Into Food Assets

Unused city owned and land bank properties will be converted into

Community gardens run by residents
Vertical farms that grow year round
Youth and workforce training sites

These spaces will produce food jobs and neighborhood pride instead of blight.

Expanding What Corner Stores and Gas Stations Offer

Most people already shop at corner stores. We will improve what is available there.

The city will
Support refrigeration and shelving upgrades
Help stores source fresh local produce
Offer incentives for healthy staple items
Work with owners not against them

Access should meet people where they are.

Supporting Local Growers and Distribution

This policy will
Prioritize local farmers and urban growers
Create neighborhood level distribution points
Connect gardens farms and stores into a local supply network

Food dollars should circulate in Schenectady not leave it.

The Result

More fresh food in every neighborhood
Lower transportation costs for families
Healthier diets and better outcomes
Local jobs and skills development
Vacant land turned into community value

Bottom Line

Ending food deserts does not require waiting for national chains.

It requires using the land we already have supporting the businesses that already serve neighborhoods and investing in people.

That is how Schenectady starts Chenecting a healthier more self reliant city.