This theme is Food Justice and is all about raising awareness about food insecurity. Find ways to learn more so you can be part of the change to make a better, more equitable world!
THIS MONTH’S BOOK
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
This is the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author’s own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character’s art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
INSIDE THE PACK
Orange Hunger Awareness pins
Seeds
Seaweed
Fig Bars
Rice Crisps
Sweet and Salty Mix
Blow Pops
Stickers
TAG You're It Podcast
Read the Food Justice Pack Insert
AT HOME
FOOD INSECURITY
According to the the USDA, food insecurity is the “lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” This impacts 1 in 8 people in the US, about 38 million Americans, disproportionately people of color, with 12 million of the total being children.
We can strive for food justice, to make sure everyone regardless of income or race has equitable access to healthy food. One way to help is to increase your knowledge! Scroll down to learn more about local organizations fighting hunger and working toward food justice. Whether you need food or want to help make sure everyone has healthy food, there’s something for you.
MEET YPSI GROWERS WORKING FOR FOOD JUSTICE
LEARN MORE AT HEALTH AND HUNGER
LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD JUSTICE
Food insecurity – Not having access to enough food that is healthy and nutritious
Justice – Equal and equitable economic, social, and political rights and opportunities for all people no matter how much money they have or what color and race they are
Food sovereignty – The people have the right and ability to choose how their food is grown, where the food comes from and what food they eat and the food is for the people
Equity – Being just and fair, allowing everyone to reach their full potential no matter what they look like or where they come from, and providing equitable access and opportunities for all people
Hunger – Distress associated with not having enough food
Fair – Free from discrimination
Access – Being able to get goods and services regardless of what people look like or where they live
Diet-related illness – Things like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart disease
Food system – The entire web of people and things that are involved in in everything from producing food to consuming food
We are the change. We are the future. Changing the world begins today!
HELP CREATE FOOD JUSTICE
You can do your part towards food justice by sharing and saving seeds, helping at local organizations, and expanding your knowledge. Click the buttons to learn more.
READ AND LEARN
GET INSPIRED BY OTHER TEENS
SAVE AND SHARE SEEDS
IN THE COMMUNITY
If you want to know more about food justice, there are many local organizations that do good work and fight for fair food in our community. Whether you want to help fight hunger, or build a sustainable future for our agriculture, or work towards fair treatment of our agricultural workers, there is a way to get involved.