Food insecurity is not a myth, and various communities across the country felt the pain of going hungry.  Working as a volunteer and community leader of my children's elementary school Parent Teacher Association,  one preliminary information I was privy to was the number of children that rely on California's Universal breakfast and the free/reduced lunch program. However, the problem didn't stop there but included access to affordable healthy foods and food education. Healthy Black Families of Berkeley share this vision as people of color are significantly impacted by food insecurity. The internship work provided will map out four counties of the Nothern California East Bay region that consist of  San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa. With the guidance of my preceptor Suzette Chaumette and Healthy Black Families, the internship will present a needs assessment with best practices from indigenous land practices and permaculture principals. It is about creating the direction of energy-efficient food production. Although the pandemic and  California Fires' effects were not part of the initial design of this project, it will be addressed and provide a unique perspective.  Interaction with community garden managers and a qualitative interview will partake in the needs assessment. 

The Garden Box Project addresses multiple factors in public health concerns.  The primary focus is accessibility to healthy food choices due to affordability; the chance that this needs assessment is done during a pandemic will give it a unique perspective. The project is to encourage community members to grow and consume self-grown produce than purchasing it from a grocery store, which is subject to market prices and geographic market availability. Healthy eating that consist of vegetables and fruits have scientifically proven to reduce obesity and chronic conditions 

Dated October 08, 2020     

Healthy Black Families. Inc. initially began in 2002 as a Community Advisory Board on the Berkeley Black Infant Health. In July of 2013, it formed the nonprofit organization that serves the community today. 

Healthy Black Families, Inc.'s Vision 
To bring about health equity for black babies and full health equity for all black children and families. A black child should have the same opportunities in life as any other child.

Healthy Black Families, Inc.'s Mission
To support the growth and development of healthy black families and individuals.

Healthy Black Families, Inc. provides essential programs like transportation vouchers and food incentives for meetings. Food distribution and various programs are provided at no cost to participants. Cultural festivities and celebrations provide critical social and spiritual unity for black families. Accessibility and possibility are keys factors to encourage families to attend their activities. 

Did you know that during World War II San Francisco had around 70,000 or more plots of gardens called Victory Gardens. Today there are around 2,400 plots and are significantly smaller and some more portable than traditional in-ground planting.

Update January 05, 2021

Figure 1- Photo of Center for Food Faith and Justice they work with Healthy Black Families. Photo taken by James Na in January 27, 2021