5. It Takes a Village
Safe to say 2020 is not going as expected. Between a global pandemic, a renewed fight for racial equality, and another divisive election season, I think we’re all ready for 2021’s reset button right about now. But I’m a "glass half full” kind of gal, and I can’t help but think of how necessary this chaotic year has been. It’s full of uncomfortable conversations that lead to the aha moments that can change the way we think and act.
As the PR Manager for Feeding Children Everywhere (FCE) I constantly find myself asking “how do these events impact the communities we serve?” And what I’ve learned, is that this pandemic has only exasperated an already predominant problem: a lack of access to healthy social and physical environments. The root cause of food insecurity runs deep, and it cannot be traced to a single source. Enter, The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).
SDOH are “the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life” (World Health Organization). SDOH are broken into five key domains:
Decades of research shows that opportunities for education, housing, safe neighborhoods, social connections….and yep, food access, significantly impact people’s health. Adults who are food insecure are at an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, and children who are food insecure are at risk for developmental issues. Services offered by traditional food banks do a great job of meeting immediate food needs, but don’t do enough to address the real reasons people are hungry in the first place.
It’s a crazy thought…how could a food bank fight the root cause of food insecurity when it’s tied to so many determinants? I’ve got one word for you…collaboration.
There are so many effective organizations out there doing great work to fight the different SDOHs. At FCE we are focused on identifying those organizations, coming alongside them, and treating insecurity holistically. Our list of partners represents some of the country’s largest healthcare providers, college districts, affordable housing developments, and community-based organizations. Together, we’re able to meet each SDOH, help eliminate barriers, and drive healthier outcomes.
Growing up I often heard my parents say “it takes a village.” It’s a phrase they’d say after a long day full of unplanned events and bumps in the road. 2020 feels like a very long version of one of those days. Now more than ever we need that village to come together and champion families in need. I’m so proud of the work FCE is doing to build that village, and the projects I have the privilege of leading to share this story –like our new CEO Video Series. A passion project that has begun to shape the way we talk about food insecurity. Check it out below.
And this is just the beginning of our journey to making that village a reality for so many families in need. Keep your eyes peeled for more episodes in our CEO Video Series, and a new podcast launching next month!
Thanks for tuning in. Until next time!
