“People should not just be getting by on frozen items at a dollar store—they still need to be supplied with the fresh stuff… I want kids to grow up healthy and not have this mindset of ‘oh, frozen corn dogs are always best for you.”
In This Episode
In this episode of The Forgottonia Project, host Joe Brewer sits down with Georgia Kennedy, a 2026 graduating senior at Cuba High School and winning entry creator in our first-ever Unforgettable Forgottonians: Youth Civic Pitch Challenge. Drawing from her experiences living in rural communities, Georgia pitched a community-driven vision for local gardens and expanded grocery access to combat regional food deserts. Tune in to hear how Georgia identifies a critical public health need and drives conversations around rural sustainability.
Key Points
- Understanding Rural Food Deserts: How living miles away from larger hubs forces small-town families to balance high gas prices against access to fresh groceries.
- Health Impacts on Youth: Why expanding access to fresh produce and poultry directly shapes childhood development and long-term community wellness.
- Community-Led Solutions: Proposing grassroots initiatives like community gardens funded by seed donations and collective local support rather than waiting on outside corporations.
Additional Questions for Discussion
- How has access to fresh, healthy food changed in your local community over the past decade?
- What are the biggest logistical barriers small towns face when attempting to maintain a local grocery store or community garden?
- How can community members and local businesses support student-led civic projects to ensure they move from initial pitches into lasting reality?
Resources
Unforgettable Forgottonians Youth Civic Pitch Showcase Padlet Board
The Forgottonia Project 