Food systems are big and controlled by powerful interests. To overcome inertia and realize a healthier, more just food system will take the strength of numbers. Professional associations can not only bring numbers, but also the resources of their staff and combined membership.
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has finally issued its draft of the 2012 Farm Bill. Despite some good provisions supporting the growing and consumption of healthy food, the Senate’s draft doesn’t level the playing field for small and midsize family farmers who produce fruits and vegetables and makes significant cuts to food stamp (SNAP) benefits for low income people.
Malik Yakini talks about self-determination and food sovereignty and how they can create food and economic security for Black Americans in Detroit and beyond. Check out his latest project, Be Black and Green.
Valerie Segrest beleives that returning to traditional food systems is the most effective way to address health disparities prevalent in tribal communities. Learn more about her work in the Mucklshoot Tribe by visiting her blog.
Haile Johnston is working to create food access solutions that make good food available to his community in Philadelphia and others like it accross the country. Learn about his work at Common Market Philadelphia.
Nina Kahori Fallenbaum wants Asian Americans to have a voice in creating a better food and farming system in America. Learn more about her storytelling and policy advocacy work in Asian American communities.
Jane Black gives insights into reframing the debate on how we can fix the food system. Check out her take on spreading the good food message in West Virginia and beyond.
Raj Patel uses a global lens to connect the dots between history, science, culture and social movements working against injustices like hunger and poverty. Learn more about Raj Patel's work for global food sovereignty.
Kimberly Seals Allers talks about the importance of breastfeeding as the First Food, and its impact on the health and wellbeing of Black babies. Kimberly recently launched BB360, a multi-resource library on Black breastfeeding.
