Making Plant-Based Diets Accessible
By Gracia Anderson, Environmental Studies ‘24
Photo Credits: "Fruit store" by wiennat is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
The importance of locally-grown foods and plant-based diets is often the focus of discussion when it comes to the environmental sustainability movement. A long-standing challenge, however, is that we often overlook the issue of accessibility of these commodities and account for food justice throughout these conversations.
In 2020, it was estimated that over 23 million Americans live in food deserts. Food deserts are places where it is difficult for residents to find affordable nutritious food. Individuals living in food deserts or with low incomes face considerable challenges when it comes to implementing healthy plant-based meals into their diets. In order to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping food and meat production, many argue that we must increase accessibility to communities that face the biggest obstacles to obtaining food. An increasing number of non-profit organizations have begun identifying and tackling these obstacles.
The Food Justice Movement works to provide nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food to all communities. Their main goal is to reduce food disparities, specifically in low-income and minority communities. Seattle has multiple organizations that promote sustainable farming practices and increase accessibility to local communities.
Founded in 2009, Hip Hop is Green is an organization that uses hip-hop to inspire holistic wellness and environmentally transform urban communities. Hip-Hop is Green has their own hydroponic farm and education lab located in Seattle that provides local food to communities. Hydroponic farms are able to maximize space in cities and conserve water so that organic food is more accessible and economical. Not only does the farm provide food, but it allows communities to foster a connection between their food community and the environment.
Another Seattle-founded organization is Plant Based Food Share, whose mission is to close the gap of fresh food apartheid in Seattle. The nonprofit organization provides boxes of locally grown food to families that struggle to afford and access fresh produce. By supporting local farmers and implementing sustainable farming practices, the organization reduces the carbon footprint of food reaching low-income communities. Plant-Based Food Share’s mission seeks to intertwine food, community, and hobbies.
These organizations are able to heal and inspire communities that have historically suffered from the fresh food gap in Seattle. By increasing accessibility to local organic food, we are able to not only fight hunger but improve our planet and communities.