About the Northwest Food Access Initiative

The Northwest Roanoke Food Access Initiative was a comprehensive resident engagement effort that began in 2017 to understand and address food access challenges among residents of Northwest Roanoke, Virginia. Led by the Center for Community Health Innovation and implemented by partners involved in Roanoke’s Invest Health Initiative —a cross-sector collaboration supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Reinvestment Fund—this project was designed to elevate resident voices in shaping neighborhood-level food system improvements.

The initiative began with a community canvassing effort through neighborhood associations, churches, housing communities, and door-to-door outreach. With a focus on the Melrose-Orange Target Area, key insights from outlined in the final report included:

•  Food access challenges: While most residents described having access to produce, 42% cited cost as a barrier, and many described relying on fast food or charitable food sources.
• Community priorities: A resounding 96% of respondents reported wanting a neighborhood grocery store, with strong interest in co-located services such as pharmacies, healthcare clinics, and banking.
• Recommendations: Residents advocated for a full-service grocer, more fresh food options in existing stores, expanded farmers’ markets, and community gardens.

This report serves as a foundational resource for guiding future investments, partnerships, and policy decisions aimed at improving food access and health equity in Northwest Roanoke.

2017 Resident Engagement Study