The Irvington community is deemed a food “desert” (food “deserts”— also known as food apartheid— can be described as geographic areas where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options —especially fresh fruits and vegetables— is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient travelling distance. Collins Streamside residents have advocated for food justice in a variety of ways. Streamside resident Jill Wrigley (1964-2016) taught on the food system at University of Maryland Baltimore County and was a long term advocated for food sovereignty in Baltimore. She was an Open Society Institute Baltimore Fellow, developing the garden and cooking program at the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School and helping to create Friends of Great Kids Farm. Great Kids Farm is a 40 acre organic farm and agricultural and culinary education center owned and operated by Baltimore City Public Schools.
