From Inquiry to Academic Writing A Practical Guide, 3rd edition

200 CHAPTER 7 | FRom SummARy To SynTHESiS

inhibits the ability of the poor to prosper and thrive. Thus, an

aging strip mall, industrial site, and approximately three acres

of an empty grass lot between the buildings anchor — and

unfortunately define — the neighborhood.

While there are multiple ways of providing food to the

destitute, I am proposing a co-op of community gardens built

on the grassy space in LaSalle Square and on smaller sites within

the neighborhood, supplemented by extra crops from Michiana

farmers, which would supply fresh fruit and vegetables to be

sold or distributed to the poor. Together the co-op could meet

the nutritional needs of the people, provide plenty of nutritious

food, not cost South Bend any additional money, and contribute

to neighborhood revitalization, yielding concrete increases in

property values. Far from being a pipe dream, LaSalle Square

already hosted an Urban Garden Market this fall, so a co-op

would simply build upon the already recognized need and desire

for healthy food in the area. Similar coalitions around the world

are harnessing the power of community to remedy food insecu-

rity without the aid of corporate enterprise, and South Bend is

perfectly situated to reproduce and possibly exceed their

successes.

Many, myself previously included, believe that the large-

volume, cheap industrialization of food and the welfare system

have obliterated hunger in the United States. Supermarkets like

Wal-Mart and Kroger seem ubiquitous in our communities, and

it is difficult to imagine anyone being beyond their influence.

However, profit-driven corporate business plans do not mix well

with low-income, high-crime populations, and the gap between

the two is growing wider. This polarization, combined with the

vitamin deficiency of our high-fructose corn syrup society, has

created food deserts in already struggling communities where

malnutrition is the enemy inconnu of the urban poor.

LaSalle Square’s food insecurity is typical of many urban

areas. The grocery stores that used to serve the neighborhood

have relocated to more attractive real estate on the outskirts of

the city, and only local convenience stores, stocking basic neces-

sary items and tobacco products, remain profitable. Linda Wolf-

son, a member of the steering committee for the LaSalle Square

She proposes a

possible solution.

She places her

solution in a larger

context to indicate

its viability.

Paul 2

3

4

More context 5

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