Something To Think About
Food equity
Defining the problem a first step in finding the solution
By Melissa Wagoner
What is food equity?
Food is necessary for the survival of all humans but that doesn’t mean access to it is always equitable.
The group defined food equity as meaning all people have convenient, affordable access to food that is…
In fact, every month within Marion and Polk Counties more than 45,000 individuals – 15,000 of them children – rely on food assistance according to Marion Polk Food Share (MPFS), an organization of which Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) is a part. “I grew up in this town and I love it,” Sarah DeSantis, SACA’s executive director, said in an introductory statement at the recent local food equity discussion. “I also believe all people should have enough food to eat.” It’s a mission SACA has been striving toward since its inception in 1950. It’s also one the Silverton Food Coop has adopted. The coop group hosted the food equity discussion. “We recently put equity in the center of our mission and values,” Coop Board Director Beth Myers-Shenai said. “But we have no
Beth Myers-Shenai, Silverton Food Coop board member explained the coop is looking for community input on food equity. PHOTOS BY MELISSA WAGONER
particular way we are driving that mission until we hear from the community.” So the coop pulled together the food equity discussion, and invited in a five-person panel. Along with DeSantis, the panel included Anabel Hernández-Mejía from the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation; Jordan Uth, owner of Olde
Anabel Hernández-Mejía, Farmworker Housing Development Corp. communications coordinator, said some food pantry boxed or canned items are unfamilar to her clients.
Moon Farm; John Friedrick, pastor of Oak Street Church and Kayla Burdine, executive director of Sheltering Silverton. Burdine began the conversation by offering a definition of the term food equity as it affects her clientele. “I think food equity is availability, access and preference,” Burdine began. Adding
• Abundant • Fresh • Nourishing • Delicious • Varied • Appropriate for those with special dietary requirements • Culturally relevant • Supportive of small, local farms • Produced in a way good for the earth • Furthers community relationships
that, while there is often much energy put toward improving the first two – access and availability – very little, if any, is put toward the last – preference. It is a factor that should take into account
CCB #14854
Custom Homes & Remodeling General Contracting Steven R. Herr – Certified Master Builder
503.873.1178 • 503.931.5814 Building homes since 1975
Have a home to rent? Call us!
Have a home to rent? Call us! We specialize in Residential Properties. Vivian Caldwell
503-873-7069 Property Manager yourhomepm@gmail.com
4 • June 2022
ourtownlive.com
www.yourhomepm.com
Our Town Life
