Belonging and Inclusion. The meaning embedded in these words are symbols of how we connect as a community. Each of us find we are part of a variety of communities with varying levels of connection. During my recent vacation, I spent time coming into connection and community with my self. Thinking of how I can live a life that is nourished through connection with my mind and body, and understanding the life scripts that have guided my belief in certain values. 

 

Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN

The title for my blog post comes from a book I read called Lived Nourished: Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy  By Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN. The book delved into the history of the $72.6 billion dollar diet culture industry and it's foundation built on a system of patriarchy and anti-blackness. Throughout the first half of the book Shana Spence speaks to her journey and the need to base conversations around health on what foods are accessible to a person. She states, "...before speaking about illness and medical conditions, ...discuss[ing] foods someone should be eating..[you must know] if they can even access the foods." (p.97) Access to food that nourishes the body is steeped in the intersectionality of a myriad of factors from trauma, non-biased health care, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic class.  Through this book, I was able to more fully acknowledge the privilege of my community and gain a new perspective on the shaping of language in how it plays into the equitable access and high level support of individuals, especially within marginalized communities in regards to health and wellness equity. 

During this season of acknowledging gratitude and giving, I am indebted to each of you within UC ANR who have been a space of reflective conversations and a commitment to building stronger relationships that support a culture of belonging and inclusion.