Food First
From the Desk of Ellen W. Harris, DrPH
Hello All,
During the month of March, we celebrate National Women’s History Month and National Nutrition Month. However, to put those two US celebrations into perspective, we are first spotlighting the Global Nutrition Report (GNR), which presents the world’s first independent nutrition accountability framework to ensure commitments made by governments, civil society, private sector, donors, international organizations, and academia deliver transformative change. Thus, these commitments can be monitored and reported on publicly. The GNR lists 5 recommendations relative to the need for (1) a far broader constituency of actors to step up worldwide and make commitments to improve nutrition that can be accounted for, (2) commitments to reflect sustained and increased external and domestic public and private financing for nutrition than can be easily tracked, (3) greater attention on food security that truly includes nutrition security in commitment-making, (4) commitments that will bring transformative policies for our food system and deliver universal access to healthy, affordable and sustainably produced food, and (5) commitments to promote universal access to nutrition care services that are integrated in the health system.
Placing those recommendations in context on the domestic front in celebration of National Women’s History Month, we highlight the importance of women when it comes to legislating the new Farm Bill, feminist agroecology, sustainable food systems, and global food politics. For National Nutrition Month, we hone in on the critical nature of diversity in dietetics to better meet the needs and improve health outcomes for BIPOC communities. Additional articles on a holistic health and nutrition integrative model and food equity for better health outcomes are presented. We end with two articles that challenge existing narratives by showing how Black and Indigenous farmers prioritize the land and people over profit to demonstrate community-based solutions that enhance their farming practices, economic equity, and sustainable food systems.
Let us remain hopeful that actions made globally and locally will converge successfully to improve food, nutrition, and health outcomes for all throughout the world.
Best Regards,
Ellen
Spotlight Report
2022 Global Nutrition Report: Stronger Commitments for Greater Action
This report was repurposed with permission: Development Initiatives Poverty Research Ltd. Global Nutrition Report. 2022 Global Nutrition Report: Stronger commitments for greater action. Bristol, UK: Development Initiatives, 2022. Citation
The ‘2022 Global Nutrition Report: Stronger commitments for greater action’ sets out the role of accountability and its ability to transform action to tackle the nutrition crisis. It analyzes the hard work underway and emphasizes the role of every stakeholder to demonstrate why coordination is the only way we can deliver sustainable nutrition outcomes.
Celebrating National Women’s Month
As the U.S. Looks to Revamp the Farm Bill, Women Must Be at the Table
This article highlights the importance of women learning, knowing and acting on their knowledge of the US. Farm Bill. For example, it features Helga Garcia-Garza of Albuquerque, N.M., who keynoted the WFAN’s conference. Instead of competing for global markets, she headed a group of five cooperative farms collaborating to increase their capacity and remove structural barriers to create a more equitable food system. Helga started with a local farm sector in her region which has now expanded to include fifty-one farms. At her farms, she upholds a commitment to using organic and regenerative farming practices, and building an agricultural network that connects farm and food workers with local grocery co-ops and restaurants. Along with this, she also provides technical assistance, nutrition education, and a “Grow the Growers” farm training program to help promote food sovereignty in her community. In her words:
“No one spoke for us,” Garcia-Garza said. “We spoke for ourselves. We provided data on our farmers, their production and economic activity—and then we got noticed. Data is very important. I am the first Native woman of color ever to chair New Mexico’s Food and Agricultural Council. It’s not easy. It’s even harder when you are making changes. I am a person who builds strong bridges. I always ask, what’s the solution here? I choose our battles with heart and vision.”
12 Women Cultivating Sustainable Food Systems in 2023
One of the listed ‘Agripreneurs,’ Perteet Spencer, infused her Liberian roots to create the Ayo West African Foods company. Ayo West African Foods brings authentic, convenient and sustainable West African cuisine to America’s tables. Since 2020, her company has expanded from 50 Whole Foods stores in the South to over 5,000 retail locations across the country. Her work has generated social, economic, and environmental benefits by creating a demand for resilient and nutrient-dense foods. Ayo West African Foods uses sustainable, upcycled ingredients sourced from a partnering non-profit; Girl Power Africa. Her company has not only provided sustainable solutions to those in need, but has also created new income streams for women working to improve our global food system.
A Manifesto for Disrupting Global Food Politics
In this article, Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, shares her recommendations for creating lasting change in our food system:
“First, invest in women in agriculture. Globally, women account for approximately 43 % of the agricultural labor force and in some countries, they make up nearly 70 % of all farmers. Universally, women are not allowed access to the same resources and respect as their male counterparts…Policymakers and the private sector are missing a chance if they don’t provide investment and capital to ensure true equity with respect and honor Indigenous Peoples and people of color in our food and agriculture systems.”
She notes that the current system is riddled with inefficiencies and inequalities, resulting in food insecurity for millions of people worldwide. To address these challenges, Nierenberg proposes a “food democracy manifesto,” which includes prioritizing small-scale farmers, empowering women and marginalized communities, and increasing access to nutritious and diverse foods. She also emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to achieve these goals. By implementing these changes, Nierenberg argues that we can create a more equitable and sustainable food system for everyone.
Celebrating National Nutrition Month
A Podcast for the Diversify Dietetics Community
She notes that the current system is riddled with inefficiencies and inequalities, resulting in food insecurity for millions of people worldwide. To address these challenges, Nierenberg proposes a “food democracy manifesto,” which includes prioritizing small-scale farmers, empowering women and marginalized communities, and increasing access to nutritious and diverse foods. She also emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to achieve these goals. By implementing these changes, Nierenberg argues that we can create a more equitable and sustainable food system for everyone.
How the Nutrition Field is Harmful for BIPOC Communities
This article discusses the importance of representation in the nutrition industry for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Historically, the nutrition industry has been dominated by white voices and perspectives, resulting in a lack of diversity in nutrition education, research, and resources. This lack of representation has led to health disparities for BIPOC communities, who often face higher rates of diet-related diseases. The article highlights several initiatives and organizations working to increase representation in the nutrition industry, including diversifying research teams, supporting BIPOC nutrition professionals, and creating culturally relevant nutrition resources. This is why we need continued effort to increase representation and improve health outcomes for BIPOC communities.
Recipe4Health Initiative
The Alameda County Recipe4Health initiative is an integrative model that addresses the main social determinants of health — food insecurity and chronic disease resulting from a lack of access to nutritious foods. The “Recipe4Health” approach encourages a more holistic view of food and nutrition, and emphasizes the importance of making conscious and informed choices about what we consume. This innovative approach seeks to advance health and racial equity by increasing access to affordable, nutrient-rich food that improves overall health and wellbeing.
Food Equity: Food is Medicine
The Alameda County Recipe4Health initiative is an integrative model that addresses the main social determinants of health — food insecurity and chronic disease resulting from a lack of access to nutritious foods. The “Recipe4Health” approach encourages a more holistic view of food and nutrition, and emphasizes the importance of making conscious and informed choices about what we consume. This innovative approach seeks to advance health and racial equity by increasing access to affordable, nutrient-rich food that improves overall health and wellbeing.
Other Thought-Provoking Articles
Healing the Land and Themselves
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the traditional farming practices of Black and Indigenous communities in North America. This article explores the history and current state of Black and Indigenous farming in the United States, highlighting the many challenges faced by these communities in their efforts to reclaim ancestral lands and revive traditional farming practices. Despite these obstacles, Black and Indigenous farmers are still working to create a more sustainable and just food system. By prioritizing the needs of the land and the community over profit, these farmers are demonstrating the potential of regenerative agriculture to promote ecological health and social equity. Through their work, they are challenging former narratives about who has the right to own and cultivate the land, and inspiring a new generation of farmers and food justice advocates.
Dreaming Out Loud Works to Create Economic Opportunities, Equitable Food System
The Dreaming Out Loud organization is working to create economic opportunities and promote food equity in underserved communities in the Washington D.C. area. In this article, the Kresge Foundation highlights their approach for creating sustainable urban farms and farmers markets, providing job training and entrepreneurial support for local residents, and advocating for policy changes. By empowering local residents and creating opportunities for economic growth, Dreaming Out Loud is demonstrating the potential of community-based solutions to address the complex challenges of food justice and economic equity.
Additional Resources
- RD of Color Directory
- Women Food & Ag Network Conference Replay
- The United States Food Sovereignty Alliance
- The National Women In Agriculture Association (NWIAA)
- The Intertribal Agriculture Council
- Nutrition Connect
- Latino Economic Development Center
- Eat Right Org
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