Reactions/Reflections:
Reading our reactions and reflections in each of our postings, one will see that it boils down to this: the disparities in food access is yet one more contributing factor to the perpetuation of institutional racism in America. People and communities of color are the hardest hit by this pressing issue. Low-income neighborhoods, which tend to be disproportionately occupied by people of color, often have the least financial and geographic access to sources of healthy, nutritious foods.
If one does not have a car, which is the circumstance of many low-income individuals, the options are minimal. Either catch a bus or walk to the nearest grocery store, which could take many hours depending on the distance. How often would you be willing to do this on your own? What if you have kids to look after? Where in the day does this fit in with your work schedule? These questions pile up and the alternative seems to look better - go to the local convenience store and purchase energy-dense and filling 'junk foods.' This may even seem to make more financial sense than purchasing the fresh, nutritious healthy foods at grocery stores. They are relatively expensive and must be eaten within just a few days before they start to go bad. Processed foods will last nearly forever - so even if you do make it to the grocery store that sells fresh fruits and vegetables, the cheaper canned versions probably look like a much better option...
Recommendations:
Ideas to Promote Affordable & Accessible Food (From Michelle Obama's campaign, Let's Move) - www.letsmove.gov
Talk to Local Stores: Talk to local convenience and retail stores about carrying fresh and healthy food options, including fruits and vegetables.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Help families in your congregation or community sign-up SNAP. You can also call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY for more information.
Hold a Healthy Food Drive: Start a local produce exchange table or hold a food drive and encourage donations of healthy food items. Teach community members about preserving local food by organizing canning and preserving sessions at your community center, local school or place of worship.
Summer Food Service Program: Host the Summer Food Service Program at your organization or congregation’s facility to ensure children have access to healthy meals when not in school.
Start a CSA Club: Partner with local farmers to start a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) club at your organization or place of worship. Subsidize CSA shares for families with limited resources.
Organize a Food Pantry: Partner with your local food bank to host a food pantry at your organization or congregation with healthy options. Visit Feeding America to find the food bank closest to you.
Women, Infants and Children: Promote participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) through outreach to pregnant women and new mothers.
