In response to “Value-Added Food for Hungry Families”: Does your host campus participate in any annual food drives? What role do you think these annual projects play in addressing the year-round issue of food (in)security in our communities? What additional projects or initiatives might a campus consider engaging in to deepen their commitment to issues of food (in)security?
Yes, LCCC holds MANY food drives and other item drives for local NPO’s. Our SIFE Team actually commits to collecting around 20,000 pounds of food for a competition. We are in the works of trying to organize these efforts to make them more efficient and make sure LCCC does not get, “collection out”. These annual projects help address food issues most definitely in the short term effects, but in long term, it might actually be hurting it… an idea I have been mulling over. If you want to fight long term we need to look at policy and programmatic changes. Hand outs, do not work in addressing long term poverty. It hurts it. So what could the campus do? Research some changes into the system or road blocks. Then go about trying to find ways to address this. Perfect project for Service Learning students.
The OCC VISTA program has VISTAs placed on campuses throughout Ohio to serve for a year and work to alleviate poverty. They work in the areas of housing, food security, college access, health, veterans' issues,and the environment. The VISTAs impact both the campus and the surrounding community with their dedicated work.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Julia S., John Carroll University
In response to “Value-Added Food for Hungry Families”: Does your host campus participate in any annual food drives? What role do you think these annual projects play in addressing the year-round issue of food (in)security in our communities? What additional projects or initiatives might a campus consider engaging in to deepen their commitment to issues of food (in)security?
As do many campuses, John Carroll holds annual food drives- especially during the holiday season when the spirit of giving seems most prominent. But people experience food insecurity for more than just one season a year and, in the ideal world, no one would need to face the prospect of hunger. JCU attempts to address hunger year round by providing weekly meals to individuals who are homeless or who live below the poverty line and by donating 100% of the produce from their community garden to the Heights Hunger Center. I applaud these efforts as they move beyond a one-time hand-out and toward a more sustained, long-term commitment. What I think may still be missing is the need to spread awareness regarding the institutional causes behind hunger as well as our ability as citizens to take action to advocate for improved poverty and hunger alleviation policies. Much of these realizations comes from post-service reflection, while the tools for action come from a strong service-learning program.
In response to “Growing Together”: Author Christine Muhlke states, “Class issues are inevitable with a movement driven by the college educated, regardless if they can sweat $25 for the chicken they believe is the only kind of chicken people should be eating. And the fact remains that those who are growing, distributing and serving this food can’t always afford to buy it. The idea of good food for all is still fairly (organic, heirloom apple) pie in the sky.” What factors contribute to Muhlke’s understanding of food (in)security as a class issue? What steps can we take on our campuses to better address the role that socioeconomic status plays in regular access to fresh, healthy food?
I once read an article from a conservative think-tank website asserting that there is no hunger crisis in the United States because, "in fact," the majority of low- income individuals are overweight or obese. In the moment, I was absolutely dumbfounded and angered by this article but, in retrospect, I could understand how someone who did not fully understand the concept of "malnutrition" and "food insecurity" might reach such conclusions. An understanding of such concepts leads one to recognize the fact that access to cheap, processed, high fat/salt foods can be detrimental to one's physical health, just as a lack of food entirely. A friend of mine once went through an immersion program in which she and her peers consumed a diet of ramen noodles and various packaged, preserved, high fat/sugar foods. She expressed what a wake-up call this was when it came to the diets many individuals facing food insecurity are forced to consume. She felt lethargic, hungry despite having eaten an hour before. She felt distractible and unfocussed. How difficult it must be to try to study for school under such conditions! When we spread hunger awareness on our campuses and when we take measures to address hunger, it must be paired with a holistic portrayal of the many "looks" hunger can have. We need to delve into the existence of "food deserts" and the measures we can take to help make healthy, fresh food more available. Community gardens are a wonderful place to start.
As do many campuses, John Carroll holds annual food drives- especially during the holiday season when the spirit of giving seems most prominent. But people experience food insecurity for more than just one season a year and, in the ideal world, no one would need to face the prospect of hunger. JCU attempts to address hunger year round by providing weekly meals to individuals who are homeless or who live below the poverty line and by donating 100% of the produce from their community garden to the Heights Hunger Center. I applaud these efforts as they move beyond a one-time hand-out and toward a more sustained, long-term commitment. What I think may still be missing is the need to spread awareness regarding the institutional causes behind hunger as well as our ability as citizens to take action to advocate for improved poverty and hunger alleviation policies. Much of these realizations comes from post-service reflection, while the tools for action come from a strong service-learning program.
In response to “Growing Together”: Author Christine Muhlke states, “Class issues are inevitable with a movement driven by the college educated, regardless if they can sweat $25 for the chicken they believe is the only kind of chicken people should be eating. And the fact remains that those who are growing, distributing and serving this food can’t always afford to buy it. The idea of good food for all is still fairly (organic, heirloom apple) pie in the sky.” What factors contribute to Muhlke’s understanding of food (in)security as a class issue? What steps can we take on our campuses to better address the role that socioeconomic status plays in regular access to fresh, healthy food?
I once read an article from a conservative think-tank website asserting that there is no hunger crisis in the United States because, "in fact," the majority of low- income individuals are overweight or obese. In the moment, I was absolutely dumbfounded and angered by this article but, in retrospect, I could understand how someone who did not fully understand the concept of "malnutrition" and "food insecurity" might reach such conclusions. An understanding of such concepts leads one to recognize the fact that access to cheap, processed, high fat/salt foods can be detrimental to one's physical health, just as a lack of food entirely. A friend of mine once went through an immersion program in which she and her peers consumed a diet of ramen noodles and various packaged, preserved, high fat/sugar foods. She expressed what a wake-up call this was when it came to the diets many individuals facing food insecurity are forced to consume. She felt lethargic, hungry despite having eaten an hour before. She felt distractible and unfocussed. How difficult it must be to try to study for school under such conditions! When we spread hunger awareness on our campuses and when we take measures to address hunger, it must be paired with a holistic portrayal of the many "looks" hunger can have. We need to delve into the existence of "food deserts" and the measures we can take to help make healthy, fresh food more available. Community gardens are a wonderful place to start.
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Richard, Hiram College
In response to “Growing Together”: Author Christine Muhlke states, “Class issues are inevitable with a movement driven by the college educated, regardless if they can sweat $25 for the chicken they believe is the only kind of chicken people should be eating. And the fact remains that those who are growing, distributing and serving this food can’t always afford to buy it. The idea of good food for all is still fairly (organic, heirloom apple) pie in the sky.” What factors contribute to Muhlke’s understanding of food (in)security as a class issue? What steps can we take on our campuses to better address the role that socioeconomic status plays in regular access to fresh, healthy food?
Social class is the specter haunting every public policy issue in the United States, and Christine Muhlke identifies the area for which this is perhaps most true: food security. Most of us are probably well aware of the many class-related problems related to food security - the unbalanced agricultural subsidies, the geographic disparities in the distribution and availability of fresh produce, the limitations of WIC, the nutritionally insufficient school lunches. The bottom line is this: eating healthy food is expensive and, for many poor families, simply isn't an option. For this reason alone, of course, food security is often a sensitive subject, but I feel that Muhlke leaves out another important piece of the puzzle.
Food security is a sensitive subject for political reasons, too, particularly in the rural parts of the country. No one, no matter how open-minded, likes being told what to do, and being told what to eat, for many, seems especially like an encroachment on cherished liberties. One needs only to turn to Sarah Palin's attacks on Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign, or the conservative opposition to British chef Jamie Oliver's "food revolution" in Huntington, West Virginia, to see just how partisan issues related to nutrition and food security have become.
This, of course, does suggest a course of action for college students: they must consider both the class and political issues related to food security, and they must always seek to inform rather than prescribe. This might range from translating nutritional guidelines for recent immigrants to providing a directory of local farmers' markets to gardening and cooking classes. Secondly, any service related to food security should be done with the same mindfulness and reflection that should accompany all community service.
Hiram is set in a rural, conservative area, and for these reasons faces special challenges in addressing food security; at the same time, the abundance of local farmers' markets, family-owned farms, and community gardens provides great opportunity. In addition to the food-related initiatives already in place on campus, students here might do well to devise a means to reach out to the citizens of Portage County and inform them about food security issues and the nascent solutions in their neighborhoods.
Social class is the specter haunting every public policy issue in the United States, and Christine Muhlke identifies the area for which this is perhaps most true: food security. Most of us are probably well aware of the many class-related problems related to food security - the unbalanced agricultural subsidies, the geographic disparities in the distribution and availability of fresh produce, the limitations of WIC, the nutritionally insufficient school lunches. The bottom line is this: eating healthy food is expensive and, for many poor families, simply isn't an option. For this reason alone, of course, food security is often a sensitive subject, but I feel that Muhlke leaves out another important piece of the puzzle.
Food security is a sensitive subject for political reasons, too, particularly in the rural parts of the country. No one, no matter how open-minded, likes being told what to do, and being told what to eat, for many, seems especially like an encroachment on cherished liberties. One needs only to turn to Sarah Palin's attacks on Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign, or the conservative opposition to British chef Jamie Oliver's "food revolution" in Huntington, West Virginia, to see just how partisan issues related to nutrition and food security have become.
This, of course, does suggest a course of action for college students: they must consider both the class and political issues related to food security, and they must always seek to inform rather than prescribe. This might range from translating nutritional guidelines for recent immigrants to providing a directory of local farmers' markets to gardening and cooking classes. Secondly, any service related to food security should be done with the same mindfulness and reflection that should accompany all community service.
Hiram is set in a rural, conservative area, and for these reasons faces special challenges in addressing food security; at the same time, the abundance of local farmers' markets, family-owned farms, and community gardens provides great opportunity. In addition to the food-related initiatives already in place on campus, students here might do well to devise a means to reach out to the citizens of Portage County and inform them about food security issues and the nascent solutions in their neighborhoods.
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Jesi, Notre Dame College
In response to “Value-Added Food for Hungry Families”: Does your host campus participate in any annual food drives? What role do you think these annual projects play in addressing the year-round issue of food (in)security in our communities? What additional projects or initiatives might a campus consider engaging in to deepen their commitment to issues of food (in)security?
Notre Dame College hosts an annual food drive at the being of each year. To illustrate the importance of service to the students and community, freshman students participate as a part of the Welcome Weekend festivities. Last year, Notre Dame collected 5,000lbs of food for the Heights Emergency Food Bank. The food helped families in the local areas surrounding Notre Dame. Upon delivering the food, we were told that amount we donated was the same amount the food center received monthly from the Cleveland Food Bank.
The annual food drive that Notre Dame hosts helps with food insecurity, but it doesn’t solve the problem. But within the year, I believe the need of food is always crucial. It seems at times that during the holidays, people are more likely to give, but the need is always there. I believe if Notre Dame would have a spring food collection, it would help with the need that comes in the summer. Since children are out of school in the summer, their need is greater, because they aren’t getting a regular meal. I believe by having a spring food collection, Notre Dame might be able to assist in bridging that gap.
Notre Dame College hosts an annual food drive at the being of each year. To illustrate the importance of service to the students and community, freshman students participate as a part of the Welcome Weekend festivities. Last year, Notre Dame collected 5,000lbs of food for the Heights Emergency Food Bank. The food helped families in the local areas surrounding Notre Dame. Upon delivering the food, we were told that amount we donated was the same amount the food center received monthly from the Cleveland Food Bank.
The annual food drive that Notre Dame hosts helps with food insecurity, but it doesn’t solve the problem. But within the year, I believe the need of food is always crucial. It seems at times that during the holidays, people are more likely to give, but the need is always there. I believe if Notre Dame would have a spring food collection, it would help with the need that comes in the summer. Since children are out of school in the summer, their need is greater, because they aren’t getting a regular meal. I believe by having a spring food collection, Notre Dame might be able to assist in bridging that gap.
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Raven, John Carroll University
In response to “Value-Added Food for Hungry Families”: Does your host campus participate in any annual food drives? What role do you think these annual projects play in addressing the year-round issue of food (in)security in our communities? What additional projects or initiatives might a campus consider engaging in to deepen their commitment to issues of food (in)security?
John Carroll currently maintains a community garden on campus in which all food harvested is donated to the Heights Emergency Food Center. We had a VISTA Summer Associate start the garden this past summer, and she also volunteered her time at the Food Center. In her work there, she realized many of the people served by the Center did not know how to prepare the fresh produce. She created materials to help aid families in the meal preparation process. John Carroll hopes to expand its community garden initiative by involving more groups on campus, recruiting more volunteers to help harvest the garden, and hopefully create more gardens around campus by working with JCU’s Environmental Issues Group. Julia is currently working on this.
An aspect of food security that I would like to see happen before the VISTAs leave JCU, is catering to those families who do not speak English, let alone read recipes in English at the Food Center. We had a senior OAI student working on translating recipes as for practicum credit, but unfortunately it fell by the wayside.
JCU also holds an annual food drive for the Fatima Family Center each November in which Arrupe students collect bags of food throughout the University Heights area. This year, we realized that the large Jewish population in the local area was unable to participate in the food drive due to observing the Sabbath. This will definitely be taken into account next year.
Since dry boxed and canned food is usually collected through this drive, JCU also sponsors a 5K Run/Walk in the fall to raise funds to purchase turkeys and fresh produce for the Hough families served. This helps supplement their Thanksgiving dinner and provides meals for them the entire holiday week.
Unfortunately this specific activity does not really address the issue of year-round food security, although it is definitely helpful to the families at that time. I believe the community gardens are much more effective when addressing the issues of hunger.
But what else can be done to address this issue? In our conversation I found it interesting when we spoke about how easy it is for people to lose enthusiasm for social justice issues as time goes on. In particular, if people are not given concrete ways to address these issues they’re passionate about, it’s harder and intimidating for them to believe they can make a change. So what else can we tell our students to do to address food (in)security? I think advocacy and lobbying to politicians is the only way to resolve such a large issue. Power in numbers and the power of a collective voice can definitely make a difference to those who are able to spur change: the policy makers.
John Carroll currently maintains a community garden on campus in which all food harvested is donated to the Heights Emergency Food Center. We had a VISTA Summer Associate start the garden this past summer, and she also volunteered her time at the Food Center. In her work there, she realized many of the people served by the Center did not know how to prepare the fresh produce. She created materials to help aid families in the meal preparation process. John Carroll hopes to expand its community garden initiative by involving more groups on campus, recruiting more volunteers to help harvest the garden, and hopefully create more gardens around campus by working with JCU’s Environmental Issues Group. Julia is currently working on this.
An aspect of food security that I would like to see happen before the VISTAs leave JCU, is catering to those families who do not speak English, let alone read recipes in English at the Food Center. We had a senior OAI student working on translating recipes as for practicum credit, but unfortunately it fell by the wayside.
JCU also holds an annual food drive for the Fatima Family Center each November in which Arrupe students collect bags of food throughout the University Heights area. This year, we realized that the large Jewish population in the local area was unable to participate in the food drive due to observing the Sabbath. This will definitely be taken into account next year.
Since dry boxed and canned food is usually collected through this drive, JCU also sponsors a 5K Run/Walk in the fall to raise funds to purchase turkeys and fresh produce for the Hough families served. This helps supplement their Thanksgiving dinner and provides meals for them the entire holiday week.
Unfortunately this specific activity does not really address the issue of year-round food security, although it is definitely helpful to the families at that time. I believe the community gardens are much more effective when addressing the issues of hunger.
But what else can be done to address this issue? In our conversation I found it interesting when we spoke about how easy it is for people to lose enthusiasm for social justice issues as time goes on. In particular, if people are not given concrete ways to address these issues they’re passionate about, it’s harder and intimidating for them to believe they can make a change. So what else can we tell our students to do to address food (in)security? I think advocacy and lobbying to politicians is the only way to resolve such a large issue. Power in numbers and the power of a collective voice can definitely make a difference to those who are able to spur change: the policy makers.
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Joe, Lorain County Community College
In response to Christine Muhlke's Growing Together
The chief class issue in the food insecurity argument laid out by Christine Muhlke is education or the lack thereof. Muhlke talks about “small-food communities” as a movement driven by the college educated, which makes class issues inevitable. Ostensibly, if one is college-educated, one is more likely to hold a job (likely to be higher paying) which allows for access to healthy, fresh food (taxes on food are regressive as is, and prices for natural, organic foods typically run higher). It stands to reason that those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum are less likely to be college-educated, and if they are employed will likely be in a low wage occupation. If this is the expected norm, then access to healthy, fresh food is not likely to be enjoyed due to economic constraints.
Additionally, Muhlke points out that they typical origination point for “small-food communities” is typically around cities and universities. In simple terms, are these “small-food communities” in areas where the socioeconomically disadvantaged can access them? Muhlke references a neighborhood in Detroit that is a true “food desert;” there are no national chain grocery stores within city limits. In response to this, the Urban Farming organization has brought what is essentially a farmer’s market to this neighborhood. Taking these “small-food communities” to where they are most needed is essential to combating food insecurity.
One step we can take on college campuses is to participate in outreach efforts that address food insecurity. Lorain County Community College partners with local organizations that help make farmer’s markets possible. More importantly, they are taken to what are typically more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Lorain County. Additionally, events built around “healthy eating” and preparing these foods could be hosted on college campuses. Michael Travis of the Urban Farming organization remarked while visitors were picking collard green that many did not know how to cook them. Hosting an event such as this on a college campus would help provide a needed service, and introduce the college campus environment to individuals that may not be familiar with it (raising awareness to education options). Lorain County Community College is considering starting a culinary arts program; this would be the perfect vehicle for hosting a “healthy eating” event, just to provide an example.
The chief class issue in the food insecurity argument laid out by Christine Muhlke is education or the lack thereof. Muhlke talks about “small-food communities” as a movement driven by the college educated, which makes class issues inevitable. Ostensibly, if one is college-educated, one is more likely to hold a job (likely to be higher paying) which allows for access to healthy, fresh food (taxes on food are regressive as is, and prices for natural, organic foods typically run higher). It stands to reason that those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum are less likely to be college-educated, and if they are employed will likely be in a low wage occupation. If this is the expected norm, then access to healthy, fresh food is not likely to be enjoyed due to economic constraints.
Additionally, Muhlke points out that they typical origination point for “small-food communities” is typically around cities and universities. In simple terms, are these “small-food communities” in areas where the socioeconomically disadvantaged can access them? Muhlke references a neighborhood in Detroit that is a true “food desert;” there are no national chain grocery stores within city limits. In response to this, the Urban Farming organization has brought what is essentially a farmer’s market to this neighborhood. Taking these “small-food communities” to where they are most needed is essential to combating food insecurity.
One step we can take on college campuses is to participate in outreach efforts that address food insecurity. Lorain County Community College partners with local organizations that help make farmer’s markets possible. More importantly, they are taken to what are typically more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Lorain County. Additionally, events built around “healthy eating” and preparing these foods could be hosted on college campuses. Michael Travis of the Urban Farming organization remarked while visitors were picking collard green that many did not know how to cook them. Hosting an event such as this on a college campus would help provide a needed service, and introduce the college campus environment to individuals that may not be familiar with it (raising awareness to education options). Lorain County Community College is considering starting a culinary arts program; this would be the perfect vehicle for hosting a “healthy eating” event, just to provide an example.
Regional Reflection from the Northeastern Region
OCC VISTAs in the Northeastern Region read Value-Added Food for Hungry Families and Growing Together for their Regional Reflection. Read responses to these articles from Heather, Joe, Julia S., Julia P., Raven, Jesi, and Richard.
Regional Reflection Thoughts from Heather, Mount Union
In response to “Value-Added Food for Hungry Families”: Does your host campus participate in any annual food drives? What role do you think these annual projects play in addressing the year-round issue of food (in)security in our communities? What additional projects or initiatives might a campus consider engaging in to deepen their commitment to issues of food (in)security?
Mount Union does Trick or Treat for Canned Goods every October with the neighborhoods surrounding the University. This year, we collected and donated 3,845 non-perishable food items and donated them to both the newly launched Alliance Community [Food] Pantry and the Domestic Violence Shelter. This food helped fill in the gaps for the Food Pantry right before they opened and ensured that they were able to serve the 2,000+ people in the households who visited the pantry in November for the first 3 weeks it was open.
It’s difficult to do purely campus food drives though because the food given, while wonderful, is not much and often consists of Ramon Noodles (ah, dorm life).
The biggest gap we see of course is in the spring when the need is high and donations are low. We need to get creative and think of something we can do in March/April that would bring in a large number of donations to fill this huge need.
Our campus is really taking the initiative and getting our students involved in the new pantry through service-learning classes as well as donations. One class’ work will help create a website for the pantry, as well as fill other technical computer needs. Another class will be tackling the serving of our Spanish speaking population by creating various tools for the pantry to use in Spanish. And a third class just finished a review of the pantry and put together a plan on instituting family friendly, community focused art under the ideal that “hearts can starve as well as bodies”.
In response to “Growing Together”: Author Christine Muhlke states, “Class issues are inevitable with a movement driven by the college educated, regardless if they can sweat $25 for the chicken they believe is the only kind of chicken people should be eating. And the fact remains that those who are growing, distributing and serving this food can’t always afford to buy it. The idea of good food for all is still fairly (organic, heirloom apple) pie in the sky.” What factors contribute to Muhlke’s understanding of food (in)security as a class issue? What steps can we take on our campuses to better address the role that socioeconomic status plays in regular access to fresh, healthy food?
The only way to truly make organic, fair trade food items both accessible to all classes as well as a national norm is for the government to get involved and subsidize the cost. We see this everyday when we wonder why it is cheaper to buy Twinkies than it is to buy carrots: government subsidizing of things such as flour and corn syrup, yet not things such as fruits and vegetables, ensures that things that were once extremely expensive and considered “high class” food (chocolate, sugar, oil, salt) are now the only things many of the poorest in America can afford to buy and feed to their families. Of course, this brings things such as lobbying and kick-backs into play and makes one wonder if the government ever actually WOULD subsidize organic and fair trade food items.
Mount Union does Trick or Treat for Canned Goods every October with the neighborhoods surrounding the University. This year, we collected and donated 3,845 non-perishable food items and donated them to both the newly launched Alliance Community [Food] Pantry and the Domestic Violence Shelter. This food helped fill in the gaps for the Food Pantry right before they opened and ensured that they were able to serve the 2,000+ people in the households who visited the pantry in November for the first 3 weeks it was open.
It’s difficult to do purely campus food drives though because the food given, while wonderful, is not much and often consists of Ramon Noodles (ah, dorm life).
The biggest gap we see of course is in the spring when the need is high and donations are low. We need to get creative and think of something we can do in March/April that would bring in a large number of donations to fill this huge need.
Our campus is really taking the initiative and getting our students involved in the new pantry through service-learning classes as well as donations. One class’ work will help create a website for the pantry, as well as fill other technical computer needs. Another class will be tackling the serving of our Spanish speaking population by creating various tools for the pantry to use in Spanish. And a third class just finished a review of the pantry and put together a plan on instituting family friendly, community focused art under the ideal that “hearts can starve as well as bodies”.
In response to “Growing Together”: Author Christine Muhlke states, “Class issues are inevitable with a movement driven by the college educated, regardless if they can sweat $25 for the chicken they believe is the only kind of chicken people should be eating. And the fact remains that those who are growing, distributing and serving this food can’t always afford to buy it. The idea of good food for all is still fairly (organic, heirloom apple) pie in the sky.” What factors contribute to Muhlke’s understanding of food (in)security as a class issue? What steps can we take on our campuses to better address the role that socioeconomic status plays in regular access to fresh, healthy food?
The only way to truly make organic, fair trade food items both accessible to all classes as well as a national norm is for the government to get involved and subsidize the cost. We see this everyday when we wonder why it is cheaper to buy Twinkies than it is to buy carrots: government subsidizing of things such as flour and corn syrup, yet not things such as fruits and vegetables, ensures that things that were once extremely expensive and considered “high class” food (chocolate, sugar, oil, salt) are now the only things many of the poorest in America can afford to buy and feed to their families. Of course, this brings things such as lobbying and kick-backs into play and makes one wonder if the government ever actually WOULD subsidize organic and fair trade food items.
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