MAP Youth Alize Talks about Food Apartheid

 

In the article Food apartheid: the root of the problem with America's groceries, we learn about America's sustainable food movement and how it's been steadily growing, challenging consumers to truly consider where our food comes from, and inspiring people to farm, eat local, and rethink our approaches to food policy. But at the same time, the movement is predominantly white, and often neglects the needs and root problems of diverse communities. The people who are impacted the most by food apartheid are minorities and people of color. The issue with this is that farm subsidies in the United States go predominantly to white farmers, which led to aa group of black farmers to sue the US government for discrimination. Food pantries, which distribute food to those in need are often stigmatized and are only a temporary solution for a chronic issue. Our subsidized food system, as activist and community organizer Karen Washington point's out in the interview that follows, " skews the cost and value of food". This was brought to light by some advocates and study groups, who have argued that the proximity of a well stocked grocery store is not enough of a solution given this countries elaborate food problems. Washington started this interview with and I quote " a tomato". She claims that she never liked tomatoes and that before she started growing them herself didn't know they grew on vines. Washington then goes on to state that in 1988, she looked out of her kitchen window to an empty lot across the way and saw a man with a pick and a shovel. She went out to ask him how he was doing, and he said " I'm thinking about starting a community garden". She asked if she could be of any assistance. They're about to celebrate their 30th year of working together. The way Washington thinks we could help fight and possibly put an end to food apartheid isn't just through giving people the tools to grow their own food or even asking them to give up soda for water it's deeper than that. We must talk about race and economics because those are the things that are holding us back. Washington states, I wake up dreaming that my neighborhood has been given capital, has been given opportunity, has been given finance, that we can own our own stores and businesses. Why don't outsiders always come into our neighborhood and think about investing in the people that already live here? Give them the capitol, give them the means of financial literacy, teach them how to invest, teach them how to own homes, teach them how to own businesses. Give them that chance, instead of coming in and changing the dynamics and complexation of that neighborhood". That is what Washington thinks will change food apartheid and I agree. The way to change food apartheid is not to just give people the idea to grow their own food , we must change our entire economic mindset. Because even if people do grow their own food, tools, seeds, and labor cost money, and without capital then you can't start your farm or grow your own food. If it was that easy then there would be little community farms in every neighborhood.

- Alize, MAP Youth