2-B. Science Session

Social Justice/Social Equity as it Relates to Food Systems

In the United States, our food system has a tremendous impact on our health, prosperity and sustainability. The food system encompasses growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, distributing, marketing and preparing the food we consume. It is comprised of a network of farmers, farm workers, consumers, communities and food organizations. While there is general agreement that consumption of fresh, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains are necessary for health and nutritional well-being, some communities have negative health and economic consequences caused, at least in part, by a lack of access to high-quality food. Communities with limitations in resources, often of color and low-income, disposable income, language and transportation have restricted access to, and knowledge about, a variety of healthy food options.This session will examine the food and ecological concerns, public health, agricultural policy and issues of equity in the food system and the impact on individuals and our communities. Panelists will discuss challenges, share examples of what various communities are doing to surmount these barriers and share creative solutions.

Moderator: Dorina Espinosa, CE Advisor in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, Youth, Families and Communities

• Food Quality is Food Justice—Andy Fisher, Co-Founder, Community Food Security Coalition
• Justice and Equity: The Core Issues of America's Current Food Fight—Michael Dimock, President, Roots of Change
• LaDonna Redmond, Co-founder and President, Graffiti and Grub

Subcommittee: Dorina Espinoza, Chair, Martin Smith and members of the Healthy Behaviors for Preventing Childhood Obesity Program Team