Untitled presentation

Addressing Food Insecurity in Columbus, Ohio

By: Nick Peters

What is Food Insecurity?

Defining the Problem

1. Food insecurity: Limited access to affordable, nutritious food.
2. Food deserts: Areas lacking grocery stores with fresh options.
3. Affects physical health (obesity, diabetes) and community well-being.

Why It Matters

Leads to chronic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Increases healthcare costs and community strain. Creates a cycle of poor nutrition and limited resources.

Supporting Nonprofits

• Nonprofits like Mid-Ohio Food Collective provide affordable food.
• Educate communities about nutrition and healthy eating.
• Expand their reach through donations and volunteers.

Community Gardens

Residents grow fresh produce, promoting self-sufficiency. Encourages healthier eating and community bonding. Reduces dependency on fast food or convenience stores.

Government Action

Offer tax breaks to grocery stores opening in food deserts. Improve transportation to underserved areas. Collaborate with nonprofits for long-term solutions.

Barriers to Progress

Funding shortages for nonprofits. Transportation and logistics challenges in urban areas. Community skepticism about program sustainability.

Call to Action

Donate to nonprofits like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Volunteer for community gardening and food programs. Advocate for policies supporting fresh food access.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021):

• "Food access in the U.S.: A public health issue."
• This source provides data on the correlation between food deserts and chronic health issues.
• https://www.cdc.gov/foodsecurity

2. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2020):

• "Community gardens and food security in urban areas."
• Discusses the impact of urban community gardens on food accessibility.
• https://www.usda.gov

3. Mid-Ohio Food Collective Annual Report (2022):

• "Fighting hunger in Ohio."
• Highlights the organization’s impact on food distribution, community gardens, and nutrition education.
• https://www.midohiofoodcollective.org/report

4. Journal of Urban Health (Peer-Reviewed Article):

• A scholarly article analyzing the connection between food insecurity and health disparities in urban settings.
• Example: “Urban Food Deserts: Chronic Health Implications and Sustainable Solutions.”

5. The Columbus Dispatch (Newspaper/Periodical):

• Articles covering local stories about food insecurity and nonprofit initiatives in Columbus.
• Example headline: “Columbus Communities Battle Food Insecurity with Grassroots Support.”

6. Urban Institute Research Report (Government/Institutional Source):

• Analysis of systemic barriers to food access and urban planning challenges in underserved communities.
• Example report: “Addressing Urban Food Deserts Through Policy and Community Action.”