Real food is grown, whether it's from the earth or an egg. As Urban Farm (n.d.) puts it, "Food is about community – how we grow it, eat it, and share it!" It's essential to understand the inequity of food distribution and how charity in farming can help fill that gap. Everyone has an idea of what is considered healthy food. When someone mentions any fast-food restaurant in the same sentence with nutrition, I draw a blank face and realize most people don't know much about health and the impact that food can have on your life. Poor food choices can also exacerbate any current medical conditions or create new ones. My other concern about this issue is that it disproportionately impacts the quality of life for minorities, older adults, and people without resources to purchase healthy, good-quality food. Nutritionists know that some people who are overweight or obese are also malnourished. Therefore, I've chosen to focus on the harmful environmental effects of poor food choices in low-income neighborhoods and the role urban farming and charity can play in a hopeless situation.
Sociological Analysis
There's even a sociological inequitable impact of giving away food from the perspective of young people vs. seniors. The younger generation may not know the value of nutrition and the downside of starvation. Unless they live in a situation with an older parent who may also be disabled and the resources are low, like the needs of a senior citizen who may not have much money or resources. Most people in this situation turn to food pantries and churches for assistance. The welfare system gives food assistance once a month by utilizing EBT cards. This farming program can also take some of the load off the system and dispense food as needed.
Teaching people how to grow food to sustain themselves benefits both young and old. This program uses sustainable practices that help our soil and natural resources. No harm done to the environment. No excess use of toxins that cause cancer to the environment and people nearby. The other concern is location; seeing urban farms within the community is good. Taking an abandoned lot and using it to create food for the community is a worthwhile project. One of the statements says, "Transforming communities into more equitable places of opportunity to thrive begins with each of us. Our goal is to create programs in urban green spaces in our community that nurture relationships and create trust while being open to authentic conversations that help build racial equity" (About Us, 2022).
The other impact is on income. People with higher pay or the means to buy groceries may never consider food assistance, but they should. They can donate their time and money to such a worthy organization as other supporters and partners. The cost of groceries is exceptionally high. Sometimes, people must choose between inferior food-like items over real food with natural nutrition. Imagine having to eat ramen noodles for dinner most nights. You cannot quantify the impact that will have on your blood pressure and health, which doubles the risk of stroke or heart attack for Black Americans since most Black people have hypertension. Therefore, I don't see any harm in growing food besides using toxic chemicals.
Grow It Green Morristown knows our inequities and speaks openly on its website. They also understand the impact of systemic racism, "We know we need to be willing to be uncomfortable to eliminate systemic racism and oppressive practices within our organization and community" (About Us, 2022). There's so much you can learn from this organization.
