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Why #freshfood4all
13
million children live in food insecure homes
14.7
million children and adolescents are obese
160
billion is the healthcare cost of hunger and food insecurity
According to a recent USDA report, the number of people living in households with difficulty accessing enough food increased significantly in 2022, reaching 44.2 million—an increase from 33.8 million the previous year. Alarmingly, over 13 million children experienced food insecurity, representing a nearly 45 percent jump from 2021. (Source: https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/107703/err-325.pdf?v=7814.4)
In recent years, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years has been a growing concern. According to data from 2017-2020, the prevalence of obesity stood at 19.7%, impacting approximately 14.7 million children and adolescents nationwide. This concerning trend highlights the importance of addressing not only obesity but also food insecurity and access to fresh, nutritious food. By tackling these interconnected issues, through programs like the Apple Project and The Beanstalk Project, we can work towards ensuring a healthier future for our youth. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html#:~:text=The%20prevalence%20of%20obesity%20was,14.7%20million%20children%20and%20adolescents.)
A study commissioned by Bread for the World Institute sheds light on the significant impact of hunger and food insecurity on healthcare costs. According to their findings, hunger-related issues increased health expenditures in the United States by a staggering $160 billion in the past year alone. This research underscores the urgent need to address food insecurity as a critical determinant of overall health and well-being. By providing children in schools and communities access to fresh food, we tackle hunger, help alleviate human suffering, but also reduce healthcare costs and promote a healthier society for all. (Source: https://childrenshealthwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/JohnCook_cost_of_hunger_study.pdf)
Fresh Food, Bright Futures: Lessons from Food Fight 2024
Food Fight 2024 was more than just a culinary competition—it was a powerful reminder of how impactful access to fresh, nutritious food can be for children in schools. Here are the key lessons we learned
01
Children are Open to New Foods
Our student judges were eager to try new, fresh ingredients. Many discovered they enjoyed vegetables and healthy alternatives when presented in creative and flavorful ways. Their feedback like “I didn’t know chicken looked like this” and “Why don’t we have food like this at school?” shows that children are willing to embrace nutritious meals when given the opportunity.
03
The Beanstalk Project in Local Schools
IThe Beanstalk Project introduces gardening and nutrition education to students by creating school gardens. These gardens provide hands-on learning experiences where children can grow, harvest, and taste fresh produce. The project not only supplies schools with fresh vegetables and fruits but also teaches students the importance of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture.
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We are making it possible for year round food access.
02
Healthier School Meals Lead to Positive Change
Students commented that they would eat school lunch more often if the food were more like the dishes prepared at Food Fight. Nutritious meals aren’t just about filling stomachs—they can transform attitudes toward food and promote lifelong healthy habits.
04
Collaboration is Key to Solving Food Insecurity
Through partnerships with chefs, schools, and the community, Food Fight 2024 showed the power of collaboration in addressing food insecurity. By working together, we can create sustainable food systems that benefit both students and schools.
Come and EAT IT 2025 invites 4th-grade students to dive into the world of fresh food and nutrition through a hands-on cooking program led by expert chefs. This year, students will explore culture through Navajo Open-Faced Tacos on traditional fry bread, learning the importance of fresh ingredients while connecting with a unique cultural experience.
The Buzz
Bursting with Flavor and Hope: A Child's Discovery of a Blueberry at Independence Gardens' Come and EAT IT Program
This heartwarming story from Come and EAT IT serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of providing children with access to fresh food in schools and communities.
By introducing children to fresh and nutritious foods through programs like Come and EAT IT, we not only spark their curiosity but also cultivate a deep appreciation for healthy eating. However, we must ensure that access to fresh food extends beyond these programs.
By providing children with access to fresh food in schools and communities, we create an environment where healthy choices are readily available and easily accessible. This includes establishing school gardens, partnering with local farmers and suppliers, and implementing nutrition education programs.
When children have regular access to fresh food, they not only experience the immediate benefits of improved nutrition but also develop lifelong habits that contribute to their overall well-being. They learn to make informed food choices, understand the importance of balanced meals, and develop a taste for wholesome, nourishing ingredients.
Moreover, providing children with access to fresh food in schools and communities has a profound impact on their academic performance, behavior, and overall health. It sets the foundation for their growth and development, ensuring they have the necessary nutrients to thrive.
By prioritizing and investing in initiatives that bring fresh food into schools and communities, we empower children with the tools they need to lead healthier lives. Every child who gains access to fresh food becomes a catalyst for positive change, influencing their peers and families to prioritize nutrition.
Together, let's continue striving to provide children with access to fresh food in schools and communities, creating a healthier and brighter future for generations to come.
This Giving Tuesday (and every Tuesday after!), join Independence Gardens in cultivating positive change! Our mission is to empower communities through access to fresh, nutritious food, innovative educational programs, and sustainable practices. Your support on Giving Tuesday directly contributes to the growth of vibrant community gardens, educational initiatives like our engaging "Come and EAT IT" program, and the promotion of sustainable living. Every donation is a seed planted for a healthier, happier future. Join us in sowing the seeds of positive change this Giving Tuesday! 🌱💚 #GivingTuesday #CultivatingChange #IndependenceGardensant users to know.
