This is a call to action regarding the food desert that has been affecting the downtown Rock Island neighborhoods between the West End and the full stretch of 11th street ("below the hill") for over two decades. This petition embodies the historical spirit of QC grassroots activism and community empowerment, while aiming to address specific needs of food insecurity. This outline provides solutions within the people's locality combined with practical efforts and the resources currently held by the City of Rock Island. Food insecurity drastically impacts the quality of life for all ages and  demographics regardless of location in the United States. 

About 20% of children living in Rock Island county alone suffer from inadequate nutrition- and this is just  one of the four cities that make up the Quad Cities. Many of these people who live in the aforementioned area simply do not have options or access to the necessary resources to supplement a healthy diet. Since the City hasn't prioritized building or expanding businesses on the 11th street lot, then we, the citizens of the South Side community propose implementing a solution for this problem ourselves. Our vision addresses the desperate need of fresh food options by means of building a community garden. This will provide much needed produce annually and be a supplement to any other local charities the area already has. 

Ideally, a grocery store would have been made from the vacancy of this space years ago, when the proud and mighty statue of Chief Blackhawk was still standing; but even he has since been removed. The space remains empty as previous plans to build a Walmart have since ceased. The question remains as to whether the City has any future plans to build upon or zone it for anything; and whether or not it will address the food desert that is impacting the families "below  the hill". We feel it is time that this matter be addressed and that it should be a priority of the City to provide accessible, healthy and nutritious food options for its citizens regardless of where they reside in Rock Island. 

The 11th street stretch currently has 3 dollar discount stores within a mile and a McDonald's as its primary restaurant option. This is unacceptable and continues to greatly affect the nutritional access of the various residents along the 9th and 11th street stretch. Our current numbers show a high food insecurity rate and do not meet the nutrition recommendations outlined by the USDA. Outside of the Martin Luther King Center in the West End and a small handful of food pantries, there are simply no fresh produce options for its residents. The burden is simply too much for the current charities alone to supplement the growing number of needs along this stretch of neighborhoods. 

Consider the potential use for this space when Rock Island community members ultimately come together to  advocate for accessible, tangible green initiatives that will benefit its  own residents on the Southside. This is not only practical, but empowers those in its neighborhoods to become responsible leaders and advocates for themselves. Eventually, there be educational workshops led by interested locals on a weekly basis, consistent food distribution through various locations designated as drop off points to expand reach, and a consistent rotation of seasonally appropriate projects for volunteers to participate in; all while reflecting agricultural independence and promoting self-sustainability. 

By participating in this petition, you are taking a proactive stance in reshaping the future of the South and West end portions of the Rock Island community. Your  support is instrumental in driving forward necessary initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents by making Rock Island a better place that reflects self-sustainability, ambition, and will additionally be an educational space within the neighborhoods- all while working in tandem with the City for the benefit of the future families who live in Rock Island. 

Let's unite our cooperative efforts to bring about meaningful change that will  benefit many affected families living in Rock Island. Your involvement in this local initiative petition is a testament to your commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable community. Join us in championing initiatives that make  a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors and future generations of the Quad Cities. 

We, the citizens of Rock Island, have a vision of improving this unused and desolate space off of 11th street for use by the patrons of these neighborhoods  and furthermore; believe without exception that access to nutritional food should never be an afterthought but be a right to all.