HATCH’s Post

Let's Talk about Food and Nutrition Insecurity & Economic Development. At Peoria Grown, tackling food and nutrition insecurity is critical to building a healthier, more vital city. Food and nutrition insecurity affects individual families and the entire community's well-being and economic future. When our neighbors struggle to access nutritious food, it reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and hinders local economic growth. Market 309 is all about changing that. Here, families can buy fresh, affordable produce that supports their health and local farms. Studies have shown that improving access to nutritious food strengthens our workforce, reduces healthcare burdens, and boosts local economies. For instance, research from the American Economic Association highlights that food security leads to healthier, more productive communities, driving economic growth (AEA Study).https://lnkd.in/gAiq-sTx This is why it's important to vote and elect leaders who understand the challenges on the ground and are committed to addressing food and nutrition insecurity as a cornerstone of our city's future. Investing in our community's well-being isn't just the right thing to do—it's wise economic policy. Let's work together to create a Peoria where everyone can thrive. #market309 #accesstoaffordablefood #foodismedicine #healthycommunities #goandvote

It’s surprising that some city leaders don’t see that our local economy relies not just on big business but on investing in our own community. Supporting our people and economic growth are not separate goals—they’re essential to building a thriving city for all

Last week, I attended the Westminster Food and Nutrition Forum conference on Priorities for Food Security in the UK—a timely and vital discussion. It’s clear there’s still much to be done to ensure stable, affordable, sustainable, and nutritious food for all. Key takeaways for me: 🔑 John Ingram emphasised the urgent need for a Food Systems Transformation, highlighting the importance of adapting food activities and shifting mindsets—perhaps toward seasonal, locally grown produce (sorry, no mangoes in November!). 🔑 Christina Vogel from the Centre for Food Policy explored food security's links to obesity and the policy tools we can leverage for change. Hearing about initiatives like the Healthy Start programme, which supports families with young children in accessing nutritious food, was especially inspiring 🥦 What stood out most was the shared responsibility across all stakeholders—including policymakers, industry players, and consumers—to work together for the benefit of the nation. Collaboration is key to building a resilient and equitable food system. Conversations like these reaffirm my commitment to a more equitable food future. #foodsecurity #conference #WFNF #wfpevents

Food justice encompasses every individual's right to access healthy, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced food. However, reality paints a different picture—socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location often determine access to nutritious food. Various research indicates a strong correlation between food insecurity and adverse health outcomes. When it comes to addressing these health inequities, it is essential for organizations to take the initiative in understanding the cultural nuances of diverse communities. Our newest #WickedProblemsinWellness blog details the tactics that various communities are leveraging to promote food justice and combat food insecurity. When organizations across the spectrum leverage their knowledge, collaborate with communities, advocate for policy changes, and champion cultural competency, they are able to create a more just and equitable food system for all. Learn more, and stay up to date with #WickedProblemsinWellness here: https://lnkd.in/g4NGmzqK

World Food Day 2024: It's Time to Transform How We Eat! At the Black Equity Coalition (BEC), we stand united for equitable access to nutritious, affordable, and safe food for everyone.   World Food Day focuses on what food represents around the world: diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, and safety. A greater variety of nutritious foods should be available in our fields, markets, and homes for the benefit of all.  Did you know? Over 2.8 billion people worldwide are unable to afford a healthy diet. Unhealthy diets are now the leading cause of malnutrition, from undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies to obesity—cutting across socio-economic boundaries. Too many people, especially in vulnerable communities, suffer from hunger and limited access to fresh, healthy food. Some are forced to rely on unhealthy or inexpensive staple foods, while others lack access to fresh options or the knowledge needed to make healthy choices. All of this is worsened by crises like conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks.  By transforming our agrifood systems, we can not only fight hunger but also mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and create resilient, inclusive communities. Let’s advocate for food systems that nourish both people and the planet. Join us this #WorldFoodDay by advocating for a future where healthy food is accessible to ALL! To learn more about World Food Day, visit: https://lnkd.in/d2_3ePjg #BlackEquityCoalition #WorldFoodDay #ZeroHunger #FoodJustice #ClimateAction #HealthyDiets #SustainableFuture #BEC #CommUnity

🌍🍏 Addressing Food Deserts: A Call to Action 🍏🌍 Over the past week, I had the opportunity to contribute to a report for STV News that explored survey data collected in Glasgow. This important research aimed to delve into how individuals perceive their own health, and unfortunately, it revealed some troubling insights that highlight the significant challenges many people are facing. It’s truly disheartening to witness the struggles individuals endure in relation to their health. In certain communities, the health outcomes are noticeably poorer than in others, which is sadly not surprising when we consider that these areas are often classified as food deserts. It's a reminder of the systemic issues that can profoundly affect well-being. In today's world, access to nutritious food should be a basic human right. Yet, millions of people live in food deserts—areas where fresh produce and healthy options are scarce. This lack of access not only affects physical health but also has profound implications for mental well-being and overall community vitality. As professionals in our respective fields, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. Here are a few ways we can contribute: 1. Raise Awareness: Share information about food deserts in your network. The more people know, the more we can advocate for change.    2. Support Local Initiatives: Get involved with local farms, food banks, or community gardens. Your time and resources can help bridge the gap in food access. 3. Innovate Solutions: If you’re in the tech or business sector, consider developing solutions that improve food distribution or enhance access to healthy food options. 4. Collaborate Partner with nonprofits, local governments, and other organisations to create comprehensive strategies that tackle food insecurity. Let's work together to cultivate communities where everyone has access to the healthy food they deserve. 🌱💪 British Society of Lifestyle Medicine #FoodDeserts #FoodSecurity #CommunityHealth #SocialImpact #Nutrition #Sustainability

From Farm to Market: Our Journey Growing Healthful Foods in a Food Desert Discover how our farm journeyed from a small operation to a thriving business, providing access to healthful foods in a food desert. Find out how we navigated farmers markets and adapted during COVID-19 to meet the community's needs. #FarmToMarket #HealthyFoods #FoodDesertSolution #FarmersMarketSuccess #CommunitySupport #COVID19Adaptation #LocalProduce #AccessToNutrition #SustainableFarming #SupportLocal

💡Did You Know?💡 Over 23 million Americans live in food deserts, where fresh, affordable, and healthy food options are hard to find. 🥦🍎 Instead, these areas are often filled with fast food joints and lack access to supermarkets or grocery stores. Food deserts disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, contributing to health disparities and limiting choices. We need to work together to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, no matter where they live. 💪🏾✨ #FoodJustice #EndFoodDeserts #HealthyCommunities #FoodAccessForAll #TastyTruthThursday

Food deserts—areas with little or no access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food—pose significant health challenges in many communities. Without access to fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods, residents are left to rely on unhealthy options, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But an innovative tool is stepping in to help, addressing both the health crisis and creating entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents: the urbeefresh app. #UrbeeFresh #FightFoodDeserts #HealthyCommunities https://lnkd.in/gKknsjDE

Britain’s Broken Plate: A Wake-Up Call for Our Food Culture The latest Broken Plate report from The Food Foundation reveals some hard truths about our food system. It highlights a rising reliance on HFSS and food prepared outside of the home, and the deepening inequality in children’s diets. If we want to create a healthier, fairer food culture, we need urgent action. 🔹 Cooking Skills and Confidence Are in Decline The report highlights that fewer people feel confident cooking from scratch, particularly younger generations. A reliance on processed and convenience foods has contributed to this, with cost and time pressures making home cooking less accessible. For those on low incomes, rising food costs mean fresh ingredients are often the first thing sacrificed. 🔹 Overconsumption of HFSS The report shows that healthier foods are consistently more expensive per calorie, pushing families towards cheaper, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor options. 🔹 Children at the Sharpest End of Food Inequality The most deprived children in England are twice as likely to live with obesity as their wealthiest peers by the time they leave primary school. These children are more exposed to HFSS advertising and are more likely to live in areas with high concentrations of fast food outlets and limited access to fresh produce. The report also highlights the significant gap in the affordability of a healthy diet: the poorest fifth of UK households would need to spend 50% of their disposable income on food to meet the government’s Eatwell Guide—an impossible reality for many. So, what now? We need: ✅ Better food education—ensuring that all children learn essential cooking skills. ✅ Fairer food pricing—so that nutritious options aren’t out of reach for low-income families. ✅ Stronger protections for children—including restrictions on HFSS advertising and fast-food dominance in deprived areas. Reconnecting people with real food—whether through baking, cooking, or food education—can be life-changing. But the bigger challenge is systemic. We need policies that make healthy food the easiest and most affordable choice. This report is a call to action. A healthier food future won’t happen by accident—it requires collective commitment. https://lnkd.in/eQ4hpD2d #BrokenPlate #FoodInequality #FoodEducation #RealFood #FoodPolicy