Crack Sugar, Keeping the Vibes up, & Preservative Education

Peace to the Earth cultivators, to the producers in general, and to everyone taking the time to glimpse into this space. It has been about 3 weeks since I've written in this blog. And in that time, I lost my cell phone (which contained a bunch of photo and video content from this summer - so freakin bummed! ), but in the midst of that the work has been on the up and up despite challenges and being transitional in housing, mixed all in with the moon energy....in short, I'm grateful for the simple fact of still being here....

There are many that have not made it to this day, yet I'm here and progressing, and exploring with care the different layers of my many experiences on this path. The youth I've been working with are mad clutch, and inspire and teach me so much...its crazy we only have one more week left...

In the realm of Urban Ag and youth work this week, it has been a very productive.....ok before getting into that, I must say urban life is a trip because you can experience so many extreme sides of a spectrum in such a short period of time sometimes in the span of a day or hours, but its really kinda hard to process and share sometimes without rambling on for hours about all of the details. So it must have been a good thing that I took this break from writing. With that said, there are some important things I'd like to touch on in this blog as a public record of my thoughts, experiences, and views as a woman of color actively engaging myself, youth, and community in cultivating the earth through health consciousness and social and systematic understanding of the many aspects of the foodscapes we find ourselves in.

Something I find very compelling to touch on is the way that in the society we find ourselves in we "pick our poison". Things like cigarettes, alcohol, hard drugs etc are extremely frowned upon, but realistically there are so many toxic equivalents, items that folks carelessly pick up from the corner store (I grew up on it too) without an inkling of comparing the product to anything like crack cocaine. I mean just sugar period, this societal addiction is directly connected to historic oppression and certainly associated with trauma in our genetic memory. I had quite the alarming experience with a youth this past week, whom (like many of the other kids) likes to indulge in these drinks called Tropical fantasy, which are basically bootleg juices that imitate fruit flavors but is really just a bottle of sugar. He added about 4 cups of sugar to his empty bottle which he added lemonade to - and I had to like really go out of my way to make him throw it out. I mean I was genuinely terrified to sit back and watch him take back that much white sugar in one sitting. Though he may quite possibly consumed this much sugar in one sitting before, I felt like I was stopping someone from taking a hit of crack. I mena I was genuinely concerned. ( OK, I know its not illegal to stuff your face with sugar, but my reasoning was that if we're in a work environment to learn about sustainable eating and improving our nutrition, then there really should be some mindfulness attached; on another note I also believe that there should be regulated legal limits to how much sugar we are exposed to in consumer products).

It can get complicated...... Supply Vs Demand in an addicted society. But it doesn't always have to be. I like many other folks , made a conscious transition (about 10 years now) to a more wholistic vegetarian lifestyle after reading "Afrikan Holistic Health" by Dr Laila Afrika - and it has (and continues to be) one very long and one with deep levels and stages of a cleansing process. This book speaks about nutrition and the effects of consumer food experimentation in products from an African centered perspective (i.e. that in some cases Afrikan nutritional needs are not always the same for other ethnicities - and even with that said, also amongst our own melted potted selves) and linking it with systematic oppression.  It is a great book to check out, but I encourage you to definitely be good to yourself, because food is such a cultural and intimate process, and its not something to snatch out of someones life in a hurry (find your rhythm).

In the beginning of the book, he speaks about "The Overlooked Revolution" which is basically approaching liberation systems and self determination as intrinsically connected to what we put into our bodies. Think about it: one of the Black Panther Party's most successful programs that took root was the school lunch program (i.e. feeding people) which still exists to this DAY. That's something to take a deeper look at...

PRESERVATIVE EDUCATION

 I did a lesson this afternoon on preservatives and some of the side effects of very commonly used substances like red 40, sodium benzoate, high fructose corn syrup, and more. The onslaught of these substances which occurred in the last few decades, has totally changed the "food" game. Each student researched 2 of the preservatives that they listed from an investigation we did at Save-A-Lot the previous Friday and their side effects. These substances (preservatives) are categorized by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) - meaning they don't actually know what the long term side effects are. There have been case studies though that have shown, (with the use of placebos to ensure accuracy) that  common side effects are hyperactivity, inability to focus, irritability, depression, aggression, ADHD, and in some cases directly linked to cancer (but time will surely tell, its still pretty new).

Can a major source of oppression become anymore obvious? I always tell the youth that I'm not talking about these things to depress them, because I can see it in them -  they are so bright and wise beyond their years having seen so much already. I see the effect that the constant bad news in the media and in our community has on them. I am mindful about reminding them that this is exactly why having the skills of cultivating food, taking the time to read nutrition labels, and believing that you have the tools within to make things happen, is a very easy way to sidestep the time bombs so much a part of the daily industrialized consumer paradigm. We make it as functional as possible.


With that said, there will be footage posted soon of last Friday at The Reginald F Lewis Museum, myself and a youth were interviewed for WYPR about our reactions to the African American history Exhibit (should be airing in mid august). Later that afternoon, I was interviewed with the Boone St Farm manager Cheryl by Baltimore magazine to talk about the YouthWorks program and our projects and triumphs this year.

Drink Lots of Water & Be Good To Yourself :)

Link to interview with Baltimore Magazine is here.

Lotus- Biko got in the garden this weekend too <3

The Earthy Nutritionist

Reflections on Planting Seeds of Vibrational Shifts

Working with a group through YouthWorks has been a little bit eyebrow raising so far this year. It's not my first time working with kids through them, but for some reason this year the youth still do not have their bus passes and its basically the end of the first week. Not only that, there are strict rules and conditions surrounding the summer job that if they miss more than 2 days consecutively then they are kicked out. This creates a dilemma. It is unfair because a couple of the kids have had obstacles getting to the program  - and have had to get help from others in the group (which is fine but really not cool because the cost of the bus passes are going to be taken out of their paychecks anyway). Last year this wasn't the case, all passes were paid ahead of time but things have fell behind a bit this time around.

 

Just some of the surface level observations on the reality of working hands on with youth within an institutional structure, and doing this work to begin with that is designed intrinsically to shift paradigms - beyond what we've been "given". Its all steps, and another layer to the onion I suppose.....I give thanks for the opportunity and the activation that I'm already witnessing..

Designing and Building A Native Meadow.......

We completed the weeding of a section of the farm that will become a native meadow and serve to support a healthy ecosystem for pollinators, beneficial organisms, and for the people as a beautiful sight for the neighborhood to enjoy. There is a very special energy at the farm, an oasis amidst the urban noise. The kids were so serious about making sure that everything was neat and the alley was very clean after they finished weeding (even picking up additional trash that was left in the alley). We layed down tarp over the weeded areas to promote "solarization" which is just a fancy way of saying we were killing the weeds by putting plastic over them so that it would intensify the suns rays onto them and kill them rapidly in a matter of days. We then planted some annuals and perennials (echinacea, nicotinia, Black Eyed Susans, etc)  in one part of our bed that was ready for transplants.

 

Conversations in the Garden: Talks about the Uprising of last year...

We got into a conversation about where we all were around the time that the Freddie Gray incident happened in Baltimore, and the sorts of things that they were thinking about at the time. I was mostly listener.  What I heard was that the overall feeling was anxiety and a feeling of being cornered in by the authorities. Without going into too much detail here, I heard some stories of resilience and courage in the face of being abused and attempts at being contained in an environment that was NOT safe to stay at the time (references to the MTA shutdowns and being stranded at school or by Mondawmin)

Throughout the day there were various rises and peaks and depths being explored, all in an overall light hearted spirit and energetically met with reminders at times to tread softly into the ground zero of the fertile minds and experiences of these amazing youth.

Creating Safe Space & Confronting the Painful Structures of our Realities....

In my next post I will delve more in depth about our food justice lesson plans, and address some of the social politics in navigating the Urban Ag "scene" as a person of color. Negotiating culture as well as the intersections with gentrification in urban life.

Peace & Power thank you for reading, I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all.

Nicola

Reflections on Planting Seeds of Vibrational Shifts

Working with a group through YouthWorks has been a little bit eyebrow raising so far this year. It's not my first time working with kids through them, but for some reason this year the youth still do not have their bus passes and its basically the end of the first week. Not only that, there are strict rules and conditions surrounding the summer job that if they miss more than 2 days consecutively then they are kicked out. This creates a dilemma. It is unfair because a couple of the kids have had obstacles getting to the program  - and have had to get help from others in the group (which is fine but really not cool because the cost of the bus passes are going to be taken out of their paychecks anyway). Last year this wasn't the case, all passes were paid ahead of time but things have fell behind a bit this time around.

 

Just some of the surface level observations on the reality of working hands on with youth within an institutional structure, and doing this work to begin with that is designed intrinsically to shift paradigms - beyond what we've been "given". Its all steps, and another layer to the onion I suppose.....I give thanks for the opportunity and the activation that I'm already witnessing..

Designing and Building A Native Meadow.......

We completed the weeding of a section of the farm that will become a native meadow and serve to support a healthy ecosystem for pollinators, beneficial organisms, and for the people as a beautiful sight for the neighborhood to enjoy. There is a very special energy at the farm, an oasis amidst the urban noise. The kids were so serious about making sure that everything was neat and the alley was very clean after they finished weeding (even picking up additional trash that was left in the alley). We layed down tarp over the weeded areas to promote "solarization" which is just a fancy way of saying we were killing the weeds by putting plastic over them so that it would intensify the suns rays onto them and kill them rapidly in a matter of days. We then planted some annuals and perennials (echinacea, nicotinia, Black Eyed Susans, etc)  in one part of our bed that was ready for transplants.

 

Conversations in the Garden: Talks about the Uprising of last year...

We got into a conversation about where we all were around the time that the Freddie Gray incident happened in Baltimore, and the sorts of things that they were thinking about at the time. I was mostly listener.  What I heard was that the overall feeling was anxiety and a feeling of being cornered in by the authorities. Without going into too much detail here, I heard some stories of resilience and courage in the face of being abused and attempts at being contained in an environment that was NOT safe to stay at the time (references to the MTA shutdowns and being stranded at school or by Mondawmin)

Throughout the day there were various rises and peaks and depths being explored, all in an overall light hearted spirit and energetically met with reminders at times to tread softly into the ground zero of the fertile minds and experiences of these amazing youth.

Creating Safe Space & Confronting the Painful Structures of our Realities....

In my next post I will delve more in depth about our food justice lesson plans, and address some of the social politics in navigating the Urban Ag "scene" as a person of color. Negotiating culture as well as the intersections with gentrification in urban life.

Peace & Power thank you for reading, I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all.

Nicola

Spirit to the Sky, Feet on the Soil With the People

SPIRIT TO THE SKY...

After a long and probably much needed hiatus from having my hands directly in the soil ( its been 2 seasons), to process, digest, and rediscover my purpose in this place - I am back doing youth development work and planting seeds of the food justice movement in young minds alongside those aligned in my path at this time.

Ive dabbled in filmmaking, cofounded a garden at a HBCU  that has been declared a national treasure to (in no particular order) becoming a mother.....while continuing to navigate the Baltimore cultural arts scene as a dancer, a poet, a happenstantial muse (not always to my fancy). I had to put everything down for a hot minute....

I have found myself in a 360 moment. Reactivated. Clear once more..

Sometimes it is crazy to reflect on just how divinely timed things actually are. We as people tend to push and pull and fight to go this and "supposed to be" that way, to produce this item and that item (similar in echo to the industrial agricultural system) that ends up in result polluting our waters, land, exploiting our synergistic relationships with all the life that is around us- yet even still when we ask ourselves the question: am I happy? We find ourselves staring into that same deep void that moved us to enmesh ourselves in activism and community building, projects, etc to begin with (unhealthy cycles).

I felt at a loss. This seed planted in my spirit years ago, urging me, invigorating me to highlight Baltimore's very unique yet similarly designed food system that we see in many other urban centers across the country through film, through community institutions, through curriculum and planning, visioning, and building relationships galore, all the while witnessing how they shifted and changed form constantly just trying to make sense of it all.

 The energy was surely all there, and those around me knew and felt it. But the structure... the "bullet points" the concise framework through which this vision was meant to be shared with folks in a way that could be universally understood just wasn't coming into view, and it blended with all the other things going on with me personally, and on the global level- struggling to maintain focus....

So I decided to let the struggle go.

Much like a seed that you would plant in the soil, this seed had its phases to go through. Its been 2 years since I posted in this blog and my seeds have finally taken root and sprouted. They have grown leaves and a foundation of their own, and they have recently called to me "we are ready to be transplanted now" as I stare into the big brown eyes of my robust solid creation of a child.

wow, the synergy of nature is really something to marvel at.

So here I am, back at it here in the city, I'm working with 5 amazing and extremely talented youth as an Education & Outreach Coordinator through the YouthWorks program at Boone St Farm and we are getting into it (oh, and filming too).

So let "the earthy nutritionist" let it unfold, lets get into it and talk about it:

- Our African Agricultural Roots: We are the foundation of this countries sustenance, nurturance, and wisdom. How can we authentically reactivate the wisdom of the land that's in our DNA to embody self determination?

- Confronting Stigma:  Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and the traumatic genetic memory associated with our agricultural history in the Diaspora

- Food, Nutrition, & Exploration: OH, just being a foodie and making bliss activating meals... and exploring the unique and diverse history of Baltimore City Food and Cultural Activist Past & Present (let us learn from your expertise)

Feet on the Soil with the People:

There is a lot of pain and trauma amidst in the city right now. The killing game has become like cultural entertainment from the way its talked in local media, bumping right into to the shockwaves that it sends through families, individuals, and our healing community.

But we are still here.

If you are reading this you are still here, and guess what: we still got the juice and they are still thirsty for it.

I encourage all to be focused on the unique work that it is that you do, and know that it matters, and that it IS actually changing our collective biosphere (no western cultural validation needed).

It is psychological terrorism the ways that we are urged to rage in reaction and hurt ourselves and generations through our actions to the despicable cycles outside of an individuals control. This is a summer of great rise and beautiful manifestation. <3

I also welcome you to continue on my journey with me, whether you've known me for years or are first being introduced through this blog post. I am grateful beyond words to be who I am where I am, and even....where Ive been.

When we walk on the dirt whether it be out on a trail or next to the cemented pavement. II invite you to think about who else walked on that dirt, and what it took for that particular space to be preserved admist the machines surrounding it. Also remember the blood sweat and tears that it took for your existence to even be possible right here, right now.

We are having this experience, might as well enjoy it right?

 I mean really, stress is bad for the body and it wont make you look too cute over time. No shade to those that do choose that route, but each day we have a choice to make and I invite the energy of this post to enliven that uplifting one that is the light of your spirit. Many of you have done this for me, whether intentional or unintentionally, and I thank you for that. Keep it coming.

Baltimore City

 - A cosmic treasure internationally known to many, too commonly unappreciated to those that call this place home.

 Charge your crystals and tune into this shift that elevates our hearts to the knowingness of this: your safety, your fulfillment, and your peace daily.

Each day that we have to make this choice can make all those days that we didnt make that choice, seem like a flash of a shadow on a wall, gone.

Happy Summer Solstice & I hope you enjoy the posts to follow on the way that this process unfolds in this work.

Peace, Love, & Light

Nicola Uatuva
June 28, 2016

What is an Earthy Nutritionist?

Its been almost a solid 3 months since my last post, and mannnn in that time- its like I cant even begin to fathom the amount of change, transformation and progressive evolution that has taken place. \
For the past almost year solid, I had been in a state of constant anxiety and dread- of what? Well, I don't exactly know, but it has followed me and sat at the pit of my stomach and its just been so tough to put my finger on it, or to even begin to heal what this deep seated "black hole" in the center of my gut was sourced from.

I mean the idea of motherhood, and the change that came with that (hormones included) I'm sure played a role in it, but when I look at my life I realize really how beautiful it all is, and I cant seem to understand why this shadowy fearful anxiety always seemed to show up and throw dreary clouds over my sunshine.

Only in the past 2 months when my schedule began to really slow down, and the business of working a full time job dedicated to experiential urban agricultural education and youth work term came to an end, did I start to sit with these feelings without that peripheral "gotta meet this deadline" or " gotta prepare for this lesson or that group" and I began to ask myself some questions.

Now for the purposes of this article (and this blog) we can use the following context, "what is an earthy nutritionist?" Like, what does that mean to me, and in which ways do I strive and proceed to manifest this concept into a tangible tool for the communities that I serve, the family that I belong to, and the generation in which Im a part of? To my own holistic journey in this life?

Because, I had found myself going from one thing to the next, wearing on my body, and my mind rushing to reach something that I wasn't really sure of- I guess to complete the next task or some task that just absolutely HAD to be done. But it seemed to be just distracting and compromising me from some of the deeper pulls from my soul and intuition to discover the "self" beyond the self that was attached to a role- one thats societal, professional, as a mother, a woman.

Now before I get too deep or emo over here, let me get to the point. I have this deep fiery passion for a beautiful EARTH (Nature)! I look around me, and I see piles of trash piled up, I see my community looking like a war zone, I see all of this rich history sitting right in front of my eyes, and a people deeply affected by drug addiction, poverty, and many just surviving just surviving not really living or thriving. And I think to myself, I see this in myself, and I feel these ways and sometimes I feel other ways, and when no one is around at times I delve deeper into this place and blanket myself in its own darkness, in my own darkness and I feel like I die a little bit inside each time I stay too long. And I do believe that this place has its rightful place in the collective mind, and its important, but its not a destination- when you live in it constantly it just becomes a flat out LIE- its truly something to learn from (that folks have been learning from over and over and over again). I just cant accept that the messages that I receive subliminally, literally, and statistically are stagnant complexes.

I feel this dreadful silent structure that just doesn't want to change, that wants to remain the same, despite everything that it silently perpetuates  looks like (time and time again) a pipeline to an inevitable self destruction- and not only that, it systematically silences and it erases. I mean look at whats been happening to our planet.

And I just feel like ...NAW .

This  is what I've been going through this whole year- I've been in this place, and I've watched it, and it seems like its been watching me- and its rooted in coded norms-  the things we choose to acknowledge as well as the things we choose to ignore- and as abstract as that may or may not seem- it speaks to me in a real way. Because in my mind, in my spirit, in my whole being I see so much beauty, and I see so much potential. Not only that, I see connections and I seek to explore them, to understand them better, to understand me better and how I've ended up here, within the circumstances- embracing all of where I (we've) been, with a nurturing and fearful spirit. Because I feel like that's what we need, certainly what I need.

And so, the earth nutritionist is an identity, a concept, an idea, and a tool to envisioning a healthy and whole planet as well as healthy and whole selves and we don't run or hide from our communities, or how they currently look- whether you live in a green wonderland or a street awash with convenience food wrappers and trash and dirty needles. One neighborhood at a time, one plot at a time- we can enlighten and bring cheer to the space around us, which then gives us joy and health, and pride in who we are and who we live. This is what comes to mind when I think of  an "earthy nutritionist" and this is where Ill start.

So, there's some wonderful things coming about soon! And for the meantime, its time to let go of some excess things that have been sitting around. I was baout to post a pic of one of the projects Im currently working on, but for some reason the pic wont send to my computer from my phone. But I think the following picture wraps it up, and sort of integrates this entire post.

So, basically this.

Illegal Dumping, Environmental Sustainability & Trash Timelines

Ok so I know I said I was going to post my core values in the next post I wrote on here, but I just have to vent real quick about this MAJOR problem in my neighborhood...

SO why is it that folks feel that it is ok to just dump tons of trash on the street and just live amongst it like its ok?? . Sometimes a trash can can be very nearby and they STILL throw litter on the ground...it hurts me to my heart honestly.

So where I live on my street in the Poppleton neighborhood of West Baltimore, there has recently been increased instances of illegal trash dumping....like on a large scale. When I came home today the latest installment was an entire mattress, a stove AND a refrigerator just DUMPED on the side of the street- I suppose just out of their  sight so they didn't have to think about it anymore. I mean not only was that extremely disrespectful to the people that live on this street and in this area, but it has been PILING up for a few weeks now. I made 2 complaints to Baltimore City already and I have yet to see some results. The deadline for some form of action to take place is tomorrow, but either way I'm going to take further measures by informing City Hall and I have the contact info to the Illegal dumping department (just in case anyone here is having a similar problem the number is 410-396-1536). You can actually be arrested for illegally dumping your trash in Baltimore City- there are plenty of collection sites and resources to dispose of trash properly. The issue in my case seems like there's some foul play from some commercial companies like movers and apartment renovators because there are building materials and rolled up carpets being dumped as well.

 I read a statistic recently that revealed the the United States, which is only 5% of the worlds population, is responsible for 22% of the Earths toxic emissions! Even the thought that all of this trash may end up in a landfill somewhere is scary to me and its a testament to a larger issue that Al Gore touched on in his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. At this rate, I cant even imagine what it will be like here on Earth even in a few short years if we don't become more radically intentional and sustainable on a collective scale about how we trash and recycle.

This week I facilitated an activity with the youth on the farm on trash and looked at how slow or quickly things biodegraded, decomposed, and broke down. We also explored compost and what type of conditions were necessary for a healthy soil to come out of it. Each student picked a piece of trash out of a bin we had previously prepared for the activity, and they were instructed to consult with one another to arrange themselves in a timeline from the fastest to slowest breakdown period of their material. Once they gave their estimates we went over the timeline again and I shared the correct  breakdown times. The activity ended with a discussion on why we use non-biodegradable substances on such a frequent basis (convenience, price, etc) and why its important to be cognizant about the trash we generate ( personal health, our water supply, soil health, etc).

We had an honest discussion, and some people even admitted to littering at times, but shared that after doing the activity felt more aware of how to actually recycle. Some even made a pledge to recycle at least for the remainder of the time they were on the farm doing their summer job! Gotta start somewhere...

 Everyone in Baltimore, as far I know, gets free recycling pick up you just have to check the specific date for your neighborhood at the Baltimore public works website listed here: http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Recycling.aspx

At the beginning of this blog I spoke about hosting a neighborhood cleanup and cookout this summer- and I have finally set a date for Sunday July 27th! In the morning we will be doing neighborhood cleanup and possibly some planting and work in the dirt, and it will end with a vegetarian cookout!

 I'm putting more emphasis on the cookout aspect of the event because I feel very moved to give back to the community, ya'll  looked out for me and my family soooo much when I was expecting my son Lotus and his father and I needed to move. I want to host a space where folks can come,  eat good food and listen to music while relaxing on a Sunday afternoon/early evening with us. There's a core group of folks that are going to be working  on the neighborhood cleanup for that day, however it is certainly an open invite for anyone that wants to be involved. Flyer will be out by this weekend... .Id love to see your face!

I really hope Baltimore city public works comes out to clean up this mess tomorrow like they said they would...Im moving towards having a no dumping sign put up at the site to discourage further dumping- because what's the point of trying to improve the neighborhood when folks have designated this spot as a chronic dumping space??

Building...one project at a time... and starting right in my own community. Peace to all the green thumbers and earth evolutionists that are exercising thoughtfulness in the way that they consume and the connection it shares with the greater good.

I have much hope, and even as a busy working woman, mother, and partner I am confident that a significant impact will be made!

Til next post...

Nicola "the earthy nutritionist" Norman

Talks about Food Justice, Facilitating Learning & "The Unknown"

Glad to be back for another installment of this blog. Its a nice release to share some of my thoughts and process through this medium. Things got moved around a little bit in our program schedule, and I was only able to facilitate the FOOD FIGHT (video posted in last entry) viewing this afternoon. It followed with a spectrum questions activity that involved me proposing a statement, and students deciding whether they agreed or not and standing in line on the invisible spectrum we created. I think it went well. It was a bit unexpected for them (as they expressed) to look at food in that way,  questioning things that seemed so normal to them (and me at times),  like picking up some candy or a bag of chips at the corner store.

Here were some of the questions during the spectrum activity:

-I think that advertising affects the choices that I make when I shop

-I think that in Baltimore City, the color of my skin affects my access to healthy food choices

-I know what Food Justice is

- In Baltimore City which is the bigger killer: gun violence or diet related chronic disease?

So this is just a few of the questions. But the responses I got from these were quite interesting. The last question inspired some to share a few stories about folks they know of that had been shot, and observations about how quickly some resort to gun violence for the most minor things. I found it a bit difficult to  recenter the group between questions, and had to talk over people a lot reinforcing our "one mic rule"-meaning the person who has the mic is the only one who should be talking. At least the questions got them thinking. Just one of the realities of being a facilitator/educator- a lot of times its a game of tact and timing (and sometimes just shutting down the noise). I'm very experimental with it. My experiences here are  certainly leading me into deeper inquiries of classroom management,and noticing my strengths and weaknesses in groups vs. a one on one basis. I love the variety of my life.

But back to today's activity....I heard a lot of interesting things about food access and food environments, and how it connects to race and other factors.

One side of the spectrum shared that healthy lifestyles in the media are always associated with white people, and that even culturally- one of our white crew leaders admitted-was a norm.  He said he would feel uncomfortable walking into a hip hop fried chicken, while black participants admitted that they would feel awkward shopping in certain areas of the city due to feeling single out.  Stereotypes and tensions could come into play, one shared, and that he at times felt targeted and assumed to be in a store  to steal something rather than to purchase nutritious food. Others said that skin color had nothing to do with accessing healthy food and that if one is feeling hungry they don't "consult with their skin color" to make a decision. I shared some statistics from a study that Johns Hopkins did on healthy food access, which found that according to a healthy food measure called the Healthy Food Availability Index (HFAI), predominately black neighborhoods scored the lowest score in 43% of neighborhoods while white neighborhoods only 4%. Also, 19% of black neighborhoods scored the highest in HFAI while 68% of white neighborhoods scored highest in astounding comparison. After further discussion, we sort of collectively agreed that skin color is a factor that affects healthy food access in Baltimore, but it is also very closely connected to income level and geographic location.

I really like the definition of food justice that one student gave: "Food Justice is us standing up for the way we eat"

I then asked  her to read the definition that I had written down, from the JUSTFOOD website (www.justfood.org):

Food Justice is communities exercising their right to grow, sell, and eat healthy food. Healthy food is fresh, nutritious, affordable, culturally-appropriate, and grown locally with care for the well-being of the land, workers, and animals. People practicing food justice leads to a strong local food system, self-reliant communities, and a healthy environment.

I've been noticing myself delving deeper into myself, and thinking more critically about issues around social justice, non profits, and it seems just about everything else in my life. Farming during the day, then coming home to tend to my son and handle household duties is certainly changed the way that I perceive time. I'm reaching a crossroads in my professional life, and reflections of different aspects of myself I see everywhere. Its a time of refinement and emotional intelligence. as What the "real world" is all about seems to elude itself  all the time. Nothing wrong with some change and expansion and the discomfort that comes along with it at times.  Just scoping some things out, and soaking up lots of sun along the way...that's all for now. 

Next post will be: My Core Values


Nicola "The Earthy Nutritionist" Norman

July 14, 2014