On January 23, YLS members came out to the K.L.E.O Community Family Life Center in Washington Park to learn about an issue affecting the health and wellness of residents in many Chicago neighborhoods. The highlighted issue was Food Deserts, or rather how lack of access to healthy food- geographically and financially- affects the health of many Chicago residents. Over 30 YLS members heard from a panel of experts and then broke out into smaller, issue centered discussion groups.

The panel consisted of James M. Galloway, Regional Health Administrator for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Dr. Hsin-Yi Chang, bariatric surgeon at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; Willie B. Cochran, Alderman of the 20th Ward; Emile Pendarvis, Director of Corporate and External Affairs for Centers for New Horizons, Inc.; and Pastor Torrey Barrett, Founder and Executive Director of the K.L.E.O. Center.

If you haven’t heard the topic of Food Deserts, or thought it was supposed to read ‘desserts’, you’re not alone. The topic of Food Deserts recently came into the public eye in July 2009 through a study by research and consultant group Mari Gallagher. The Chicago and Detroit based study pointed out geographic areas with less access to healthy food options and more access to junk food- basically an imbalance of choices. Areas with easier access to unhealthy food- many west and south side community areas in Chicago- were classified as Food Deserts.

“In our country, you need to pay a premium to eat healthy and stay healthy,” said YLS Member Leah Marshall. “This means that families who are most vulnerable and who could most stand to benefit the most from walkable neighborhoods, backyard gardens, and access to healthy food, are often the least likely to have them.”

Unless you live in a Food Desert, you may not fully understand the challenges some face when it comes to buying healthy food. If you can easily walk to a full service grocery store and have multiple options you most likely do not live in a Food Desert. Many YLS members live in areas full of healthy choices, so we explored the issue further through small breakout groups. The breakout groups focused on food costs, transportation issues, educating the public, health concerns and innovations to create change. It was inspiring to see the thought provoking questions and discussions that ensued.

“It was so energizing, therefore, to come together with like-minded community members and hear the ways in which individuals and organizations are turning challenges into opportunities,” said Marshall. “For example, the Center for New Horizons, under the leadership of Emile Pendarvis, has helped bring a “pizza garden” to Bronzeville elementary schools. Rather than getting their pizzas from the frozen food aisle, students are planting veggies and tomatoes and learning how to make pizzas with their own two hands – one small step in the direction of a healthier world.”

The YLS Issue Awareness Committee hopes you’ll join us at our future events, highlighting another area that affects health and wellness in Chicago. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to such a successful event!

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