You may not think of healthy food as a lifestyle.
When your corners and shopping centers are filled with Trader Joe's, state-of-the art Whole Foods, and the trendy Erewhon markets that have populated the streets of Southern California, it is simply seen as the normal way of life.
Growing up in Inglewood and South Los Angeles, there was never a shortage of food options. On almost every corner sat a fast food chain—that became the normal way of life.
Grocery stores stocked with healthy produce were available. It was just hard to compete with the more tasty and unhealthy options that were even more readily accessible.
It might have seemed harmless at the time. However, silently, my community and in turn the generation that followed just grew accustomed to food options that would result in long-term health implications that further increase the health equity gap.
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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Poor nutrition is a leading cause of illness in the United States, associated with more than half a million deaths per year. It is linked with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease as well as broader impacts including higher health care costs and decreased productivity.” |
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"Every person deserves food that will keep them healthy and thriving. The fact that it's difficult for so many people to access nutritious food is an issue of justice,” says Nicole Steele, Health Equity Program Director, Social Justice Learning Institute.
This year marks Food Forward’s 15th anniversary.
At first glance, Food Forward may look like the many food banks across the country, all of which are just as committed to the fight against food insecurity.
However, what began as the choice to plant the seed of investing in one underserved community in 2009 has expanded to equip even more communities with the tools of health through what is now a network of over 250 hunger relief partners. |
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“Our work with Food Forward has helped tackle this challenge by creating hubs where folks can regularly get fruits and vegetables to help to prop up and emphasize healthy habits and create some equity around access. It also just shows our communities that they matter and are cared for and thought about highly,” says Nicole Steele, Health Equity Program Director, Social Justice Learning Institute. |
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What if we were able to make healthy food a lifestyle, and in turn begin re-investing in developing healthy habits to Build Generational Health across all communities no matter their socioeconomic status?
Much like the concept of Building Generational Wealth, we envision a world where there is Generational Health. This investment is how we can all continue the fight to provide equal access to nutritional food and access to a healthy lifestyle to all.
So, we invite you to join us in our efforts to Build Generational Health.
Nkemdilim Nwosu
Director of Communications, Food Forward, Inc. |
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The Spring Melt returns this April!
Join us as we mark 15 years of Building Generational Health with an evening of friends, food, and cocktails in an historic Hollywood location. It’s sure to be a night of fun under the stars, all for a “gouda” cause!
Saturday Evening, April 20, 2024
The Jim Henson Company Lot, Hollywood, California
Tickets on sale soon!
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Share the Fresh Juice Newsletter with a friend and stay in the know about food insecurity, produce tips, health, and sustainability news. Sign up for Fresh Juice. |
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FOOD FORWARD COUNCIL OF ADVISORS
Welcome Stevie Maier!
Stevie Maier, Business Development and Sustainability Director, Shapiro-Gilman-Shandler Co. and General Manager of SoCal Grubmarket, is the newest member of Food Forward's Council of Advisors. We’re thrilled to have Stevie on board to share her expertise in the produce industry and passion for sustainability!
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Hello, TikTok!
Follow us on TikTok for behind the scenes clips, tips to reduce food waste at home, and more Food Forward fun! |
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Help us Build Generational Health
Join us in building generational health.
Fight food waste and food insecurity with a donation today. |
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