Food Justice
Growing Justice For Our Health
Access to low-fat, minimally processed food options and fresh fruits and vegetables result in better health and longevity. This is especially true for health risk factors such as diabetes, being overweight and obesity. Despite the well-documented benefits of a healthy food environment, Northern Manhattan has poor supermarket service and few opportunities to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, there are an overabundance of stores offering fast food and highly processed foods such as chips, canned foods, and sugary snacks. Our food environment is so dire that the City of New York has designated Northern Manhattan a “high need” area.
WE ACT calls for:
- safe, fresh, and nutritious school meals that are prepared in a quality environment, supported by parents/guardians, tasty to children and contribute to the reduction of childhood obesity.
- an increase in Northern Manhattan supermarkets that carry locally grown, fresh and nutritious foods.