Empowering ourselves to tackle food insecurity in Alabama

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by Haleigh Horton | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Student

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting communities across the United States, including Alabama’s Black Belt region. In addition to compromising physical health, lack of access to nutritious food exacerbates socioeconomic disparities. Building
healthier, more resilient communities requires understanding the root causes of food insecurity and implementing sustainable
solutions.

There are significant barriers to accessing affordable, nutritious food in Alabama’s Black Belt. Several factors contribute to high
rates of food insecurity, including limited grocery options, transportation challenges, and economic hardship (Harris, 2023).
Because of this, many people consume low-quality, processed foods that are high in calories but lack essential nutrients, resulting in obesity, malnutrition, and chronic diseases.

Food insecurity needs to be addressed through a multifaceted approach that addresses all levels of influence. Among the measures include increasing economic opportunities, improving access to affordable, nutritious foods, and promoting community-level interventions such as urban gardening initiatives and farmers’ markets.

It’s important to note that individuals and families can make healthier food choices within their means by becoming aware of the importance of healthy eating and learning about nutrition and meal planning (Harris, 2023). Urban agriculture and community gardens: It is possible to increase access to fresh produce as well as empower residents to take control of their food supply by
setting up community gardens and urban farming initiatives in underserved areas (Harris, 2023). These initiatives not only provide nutritious food but also promote community engagement and sustainability.

Policy advocacy and food assistance programs provide essential food resources to vulnerable populations with food
assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
(Harris, 2023). As a further step, develop policies that tackle systemic barriers to food access, such as food deserts and inequities in resource distribution.

To address the issue of food insecurity in Alabama’s Black Belt, it is imperative to take a holistic approach that addresses the underlying socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to the problem. Thru the implementation of targeted interventions at multiple levels, we can build healthier, more resilient communities in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and is able to access nutritious food.

How are you addressing food insecurity? What methods are you or your community using to combat food insecurity in your community. Share here and on our Facebook page at Wilkinson Wellness Lab.

References

Fielding, S. (2022, October 15). Food insecurity is tied to poor mental health. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/biden-administration-food-insecurity-poor-mental-health-6748799

Food insecurity: A year-round health concern. Andalusia Health. (2023, February 1). https://www.andalusiahealth.com/news/food-insecurity

Harris, S. (2023, November 1). Adequate access to nutritious food is associated with better health for people of all ages. Alabama’s Health. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2023/11/sho-november.html#:~:text=While%20food%20insecurity%20affects%20all,white%
20Alabamians%20are%20food%20insecure.

What is being done about poverty in Alabama?

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Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.c

Alabama is known for its Southern Hospitality, college football, sandy beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine.  But what is not very well known about Alabama is the economic hardship and poverty levels that many of its residents’ face. Alabama is the 6th poorest state in the country according to Alabama.org., a nonprofit organization that removes barriers to success and economic empowerment.  Over 714,000 Alabamians live in poverty which includes 220,000 kids.  Alabama has 67 counties, and seven of them have poverty rates higher than 25%. Two counties in Alabama (Perry and Bullock), have poverty rates of higher than 30%, which is astounding.  There are only two counties in Alabama that have a poverty rate of less than 10%, which are Baldwin and Shelby.  Africans Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by poverty when compared to their white peers.  African Americans make up 25.6% of people living in poverty, while 29.2% of Hispanics live in poverty.  This pales in comparison to the 11.2% of white people living in poverty. 

This data provides the necessary transparency needed to address these issues and apply viable and tangible solutions.  Educational opportunities, employment, health care, and food security are all concerns when exploring the upward mobility of these vulnerable counties. 

In 2022, Governor Kay Ivey awarded over $480,000 to The Community Action Agencies Association of Alabama to help Alabamians rise from the economic strains of poverty.  The funds will be used towards programs that help low-income residents improve self-sufficiency.   Governor Ivey also signed a grocery tax reduction into law last month.  This tax cut reduces the current sales tax on groceries from 4% to 3% and could be reduced to 2% by September if the Education Trust Fund rises.  These efforts are a great start towards easing the burdens of poverty, but more must be done. On a national level, safety net programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), need to be expanded as the current benefit is inadequate according to the Center for Progress.org. Additionally, affordable housing and childcare must be a priority so that working families can provide for their families’ fundamental needs on a regular basis.

Alabamians are capable and resilient.  I know that with a little support, families in this great state can overcome the burdens of poverty.

References:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. (2023). Governor Ivey Awards $480,000 to Assist Low-Income Residents Statewide. https://adeca.alabama.gov.

Alabama Possible. (2022). Barriers to Prosperity Data Sheet. https://alabamapossible.org.

Pathak, A., Ross, K. Center for American Progress. (2021). The Top 12 Solutions to Cut Poverty in the United States. http://www.americanprogress.org.