My video project on the challenges around finding fresh produce in Boston's Sixth Suffolk. The Sixth Suffolk is currently represented by Rep. Willie Mae Allen and comprises the bulk of Mattapan, parts of North Dorchester and Roslindale.
There are approximately 39,000 people living in the district. There are 2 supermarkets. Only one has a decent produce selection. Both of these markets are located in the far corner of the district and difficult to reach on public transportation. The bulk of the district is served by corner markets or bodegas with limited produce options.
I apologize in advance for the jumpy-ness and weird editing. This was my first video attempt... and I obviously need better software....
.... or a more stable arm.
HA!
For more information on where the Sixth Suffolk is, take a look at my Google map of the district. Feel free to add your own notes and features in the district to the map.
View 6th Suffolk Representative District of Massachusetts in a larger map
It looks like there are actually a good number of farmers' markets that take place in Dorchester etc.: http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/
(Go to Find, Market, and Eastern for a list of markets in the Boston area). That's generally better for everybody than grocery story produce anyhow.
Posted by: M | February 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM
For a start, you obviously don't know Mattapan - in spite of your graduate school education. The upper right third of the district as you map it is Dorchester. The middle is the old Mattapan state hospital and Mt Hope cemetery, neither of which have needed the services of a grocery store until housing was recently built along Morton st. You get a sliver of Roslindale, and the rest is Hyde Park.
The two markets are not at the "far corner" of the district. The center of the district would be Walk Hill st, and there's no private land on either side of the road.
So you seem to be referring to the Dorchester portion of the district. Try overlaying the Boston Homicide Map over your Google district map and tell me what you find.
Posted by: MarkB | February 15, 2010 at 11:11 AM
That's a pretty biting comment MarkB. Even if there are a few small mistakes, the crux of the matter is true- there isn't enough access to fresh food in certain areas of the city.
The potshot you try to make is pretty low, and is very reminiscent of 60s/70s/80s 'outsider trying to assist Boston'
If I had a map displaying Herald readership would your home be on there? Will you be in Boston in 30 years from now to see the progress we are making? Perhaps FL or NH suit your desire to ignore a decent attempt at showcasing a problem in many urban neighborhoods.
Posted by: Town617 | February 15, 2010 at 11:46 AM
The Price Rite supposedly opened this weekend on River Street (hopefully I can get over there today, since I always review the new/updated supermarkets around here). I don't know how the bus service is from Mattapan Square, but it's not all that far away.
Posted by: Adam Gaffin | February 15, 2010 at 12:19 PM
To M: I've been a supporter of Boston farmer's markets for over 20 years, but they're not much help outside of their roughly 5-month season.
Posted by: Allstonian | February 15, 2010 at 01:36 PM