Healthy +Happy #26: Food Apartheid, Black Resistance
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. -
Black Americans have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease than other groups. While a number of factors (poverty, environment, health care, education, etc.) contribute to these disparities, one seems to rise above the rest: food. Historical patterns of structural racism in the U.S. food system has created what Karen Washington calls “food apartheid” — affecting one in five Black households — which has its own set of contributing factors:
Access. In the 1950s and 60s, white people began moving away from certain areas, en masse, as they became more racially diverse (a.k.a. “white flight”). As white people left (and continue to leave), businesses followed, leaving Black people with limited food options.
Poverty. In 2021, 19.5 percent of Black Americans were living below the poverty line (compared to 8.2 percent of white Americans). With less to spend, people often turn to cheaper (and unhealthier) food options.
Fast food. The social unrest in the 1960s fueled government funding of Black-owned fast food franchises. More than anything, this strategy served the interests of fast food giants, using Black community members as franchisees to drastically increase profits in low-income areas. Today, 42.4 percent of Black Americans eat fast food regularly.
Advertising. Unlike other industries, fast food has worked hard to “serve” African Americans. These companies (e.g., Sprite) disproportionately target Black and Hispanic consumers with marketing for high-calorie, low nutrient products, using cultural icons and cause-related initiatives to influence Black youth under the guise of goodwill.
The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Black Resistance,” exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all areas — including food apartheid:
With hip-hop icons leading the way, Black Americans have become the fastest-growing vegan demographic in the world.
The African Heritage Diet, introduced by the non-profit, Oldways, seeks to reclaim African heritage food as medicine.
Black-led food co-ops continue to address systemic injustice and community needs.
Find more ideas and resources for addressing food apartheid here.
In the News
School food round-up.
The results are in! The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and helped reduce BMI in children and teens.
The USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) brings fresh-cut produce to eligible schools, increasing kids’ exposure to a variety of new fruits and vegetables. The Chicago Public Schools recently launched an educational pilot program, SnackTime Explorers, designed to supplement the FFVP.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest's (CSPI) 2022 school milk reportrelied on data that companies voluntarily shared because of the lack of publicly available information on milk sold to schools. Greater transparency around school milk is needed.
Life Time Foundation collaborates with CSPI and leading food service professionals to continuously update and encourage districts to implement a science based-tool, Ingredient Guide for Better School Food Purchasing, to improve the overall quality, nutritional value, and safety of food provided students at school. Also, check out our resource, Green Onion, which helps school districts track ingredients of concern and offers suggestions for healthier alternatives.
Emergency SNAP benefits are ending.
As of March 1, millions of U.S. households will see an end to the pandemic-era boost in SNAP benefits, which may increase families’ visits to food banks as they navigate difficult decisions between food and other expenses. Food pantries are also short on volunteers (but you can help).
These extraordinary circumstances make the Life Time Foundation’s funding work critical. In supporting school food professionals, we aim to help create a safety net for our nation’s most vulnerable children.
Good news in movement.
What happens when you make youth sports free? Not only did St. Paul Parks and Recreation see registrations skyrocket, parents say it’s helping kids stay on track in school, forge new relationships and express themselves.
New York’s PE teacher of the year, Thomas Gelardi, has more than 20,000 YouTube subscribers. His YouTube channel features dance routines, at-home workouts and fitness challenges that engage students through the fun of exercise.
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
It’s the last week to apply for a Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant. Details here.
More than 225 schools across the U.S. are Riding for Focus, implementing this middle-school based PE program that provides cycling education and access to 50,000 students annually. R4F provides participating schools with everything they need to get their 6th-8th grade students riding, including bikes, helmets, curriculum and intensive teacher training. Apply.
On May 17-18, the Aspen Institute is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Project Play at the Project Play Summit 2023. Register.
Baltimore City Public Schools has a vacancy for a Dietician II for Food and Nutrition Services. Apply.
Apply to be a Project Play Champion. Eligible organizations take new, meaningful and specific actions consistent with Project Play's strategies for youth sports. Learn more.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to uswith any questions or thoughts.
About Life Time Foundation
Life Time Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit associated with Life Time, works nationwide with the goal of improving youth health. The Foundation collaborates with public K-12 schools, supporting them in serving minimally-processed food in school and fund community organizations working to make sure all kids can take part in safe, fun, and enriching physical activity. 100% of every dollar donated to the Life Time Foundation directly supports its mission because all administrative costs are contributed by Life Time, Inc. For more information, or if you want to make a tax deductible donation please visit www.ltfoundation.org