Month: March 2020

The issue of food apartheid in Baltimore is not a result of organic processes but rather a product of intentional policies and structures. To this end, our meeting with Alice Huang, a food access planner at the Baltimore Food Policy Initiative, was particularly interesting since we were given a glimpse of how policies with the goal of combatting food insecurity operate.

When listening to Alice, it became apparent that you can’t discuss food without also discussing social groups and their respective dynamics. She introduced us to the concept of triangulation where two non-white groups fight each other for resources. One pertinent example includes the black population’s disapproval of immigrant-run corner stores. The divisions made amongst these groups is unproductive and leads to additional struggles when attempting to implement solutions since coalitions between those groups are unable to be made. In some ways, it becomes a drain on the effectiveness of a solution implemented since the groups are fighting the wrong enemy. Alice also highlighted that the food conversation, while being predominately white and black centric, leaves out minority groups like Asians and asks where those voices go.

This question, in particular, is something I grapple with often when thinking about how social justice and diversity initiatives are structured. When reflecting on all the visits and discussions of the week, it is absolutely clear to me that tackling the issue of food insecurity in Baltimore requires a multi-pronged approach. You know you are doing it right when you understand the history involved and prioritize the voices of
the affected.

t’s day five at the Food inequality service trip in Baltimore, MD. As part of the Bucknell university course, Food, Faith and Justice, seven individuals including myself visited several religious institutions (Sikh Association of Baltimore, Islamic Society, Black Church Food Security Network), community farms (Little Portion Farm, Baltimore Farm Alliance) and a soup kitchen (Our Daily Bread). The object of this trip was to become accustomed to the many issues facing Baltimore – homelessness, the lasting effect of red lining and most of all, individuals struggling to obtain sufficient sustenance to go about their daily lives. 

We initially met with Dr. Surinder Singh Gill to inquire about his project in helping immigrants and those in the Sikh community in having a stable community. In Sikhism he mentioned how when sharing meals, all individuals despite race, religion or socioeconomic status must sit in line side by side as a means of showcasing how all are equal. This similarity is also present in Islam as when Muslims come together to have their required prayers, all must prostrate in the presence of God; thus, further showing the equal nature of everyone despite their differences. Along with this concept I further learned of the concepts in these religious faiths: a) Baptized Sikhs must never cut any part of their body hair and must remain vegan b) Muslims must uphold the principles of their religion, many of which focus on the importance of society and the need to aid those less privileged. 

On Tuesday, our group visited the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church and spoke with the Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, who informed us of the initiatives that his parish has taken to address issues pertaining to food insecurity. Pastor Brown mentioned that they developed the Black Food Security Network, where they have a community garden and a fresh farmers market with produce from their garden. Pastor Brown described that the name emphasized his desire to serve his community specifically; it didn’t necessarily mean that it was an exclusive group, but it did mean that it was created with the focus of his community in mind. At Pleasant Hope, we had a fruitful conversation with Pastor Brown about how he has had the opportunity to move on to another parish, and time and time again he has rejected the offer because he wants to be around to help his community. What was important to him was being there for his community and making sure they got the help and support that they needed within their community.    

Through the duration of this trip, one of the things that has stuck with me is Pastor Brown’s words, where he said, so many times people think they’re going to work a job until they get the money they need to help their community, and once they realize they finally have the means to give back, 45 years of their career have past and they’re onto the next chapter of their life. This trip leaves me with much to think about; as I continue my educational endeavors, I realize that these issues pertaining to food insecurity that have been prevalent in my own community in Los Angeles will not stop and wait until I am available to help them. It is an ongoing struggle, and one that needs immediate change. This leads me to ask what can I do now to start working towards the change I want to see in the world? In my community? I would be lying if I said this hasn’t made me reevaluate my long term career goals and what my priorities are. Pastor Brown’s words have reminded me to remember where I came from and be the change that I want to see in the world. 

This world we call grand is so minimal in its existence. Both in the universe and within our collective existence, we learn that the Earth is much smaller than some humans conjecture. 

Tuesday morning was a revitalizing morning to a strenuous Monday afternoon of farming and agricultural practices. We had a cogent conversation with Black Church Food Security Network at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church and their endeavors providing food justice to the local black community. Rev.Dr. Heber Brown was a strong amalgam of energy, knowledge and spirituality. His profound understanding of the economics, psychology, policy, and social dynamics of food insecurity and food justice made his abundant energy more inspiring. From the moment we stepped off the bus and was introduced to Shav’Von, I knew we were in the presence of change makers – black change makers. Clearly, I stress race because I believe Bucknell has problems tackling race issues and I constantly feel uncomfortable conversing with some people; this was a break from that discomfort.

As Heber talked, I was astonished at the disseminating knowledge and constant progression this church provides for Baltimore citizens.

As we engaged with Heber, I only thought of Philadelphia and my church, St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Immediately, I knew that our congregation had to adopt some of the strategies and collaborations that Pleasant Hope has. Thankfully, Heber and my pastor, Dr. Leslie Callahan are acquaintances! I was astonished to have made such a great connection and have been part of an important moment for food justice in Baltimore and now in Philadelphia.

I hope to continue my journey as a nutrition and behavioral health advocate and change maker because I cannot stress the importance of these health disparities. With the help of Pleasant Hope, St. Paul’s. Philadelphia local officials and a gritty attitude, maybe food insecurity can be mitigated in my city as well.

We were greeted by Fr. Mike at the gate of the Shrine of St. Anthony, a Franciscan shrine located 30 miles west of Baltimore. Even before stepping foot into the shrine, one could hear birds’ chirpping from all directions and cows’ mooing in the distance. Fr. Mike guided us through the sanctuary before inviting us to sit in the library to talk about the history, believes, and actions on reducing food insecurity taken by the shrine.

            What I found interesting personally, though not directly related to food, is the Franciscan way of viewing nature as someone who supports us and whom we need to support like as family. He pointed out that nowadays we human counterposes ourselves from nature, saying things like “man vs wild”, when in reality we are part of nature. It is essential that we position ourseves appropriately in relation to the Earth, so that we can always be grateful to what we have now and remember to give back.

            After lunch, we worked in the Little Portion Farm ran by the shrine to help prepare for the coming spring. The Little Portion Farm was created as an attempt to both bring people closer to nature and provide fresh produces to serve those who are in need. Every year different types of crops such as potatos, lettuces, tomatos and more are harvested and delivered to the Franciscan Center in Baltimore for distribution. Fr. Mike, when explaining the objective of the farm, quoted from Pope Francis: “to hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” Even though the project is still in its developing stage, there are clear visions and plans to create an ecosystem where human and nature can work hand in hand to combat food insecurity in Baltimore area in a sustainable manner.