Nourishing Futures: Career Development Through Food Is Medicine and Community Advocacy

Abstract

Lack of access to healthful foods and food insecure environments are among the most significant issues in the United States, exacerbating health disparities especially among racially minoritized populations. Structural racism and other social determinants of health contribute to racial inequities in food and nutrition security. Many people of color in the United States do not have access to culturally relevant health care services, due to the impact of structural racism on health care access and representation in health professions. Addressing inequities in food access and nutrition security calls for systematic approaches that involve not only providing people with wholesome foods but also enabling them to embrace healthier diets. In this Career Development commentary, we share our experience as undergraduate students participating in the Delta GREENS (Growing a Resilient, Enriching, Equitable, Nourishing food System) project and our state-level policy recommendations for expanding the reach of Delta GREENS throughout Mississippi. Our collective efforts aim to instigate lasting transformations that enhance health outcomes and reduce health inequities in Mississippi. As the next generation of public health, health care, and policymaking professionals, we look forward to using our experiences and our voices to improve public health for all.