When we think about food, we often imagine the comfort of delicious meals and the joy of socializing with friends and family. But what happens when access to food is not a given? 

For millions of Americans and Southern Californians, food insecurity is an all-too-real issue. Economic inequality, particularly in relation to the US food system, presents a complex problem that affects individuals, families, and communities at every level. The systemic barriers that exist in accessing healthy, affordable food are reinforced by a range of factors, including policies and entrenched societal norms. 

At the crux of this issue are farmers, who are often underpaid and overlooked, while urban communities with limited resources struggle to access nutrient-rich food. Health the Earth aims to bridge the gap between farmers, food makers, and food-insecure communities by bringing a greater level of economic equality to our region. 

Food insecurity remains a pervasive and persistent issue across the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families. The consequences of this reality — undernourishment, poor health, and instability — impact society as a whole. But the fight against food insecurity is far from hopeless. 

With robust and sustained commitments from our Heal the Earth community, we can strategically navigate the challenging path from food scarcity to abundance. Building resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems is no small feat, but it is a necessary one if we want to ensure the health and well-being of our communities. 

At the heart of this effort is the recognition that food insecurity is not simply a matter of inadequate food production, but is also tied to larger, systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. That's why we plan to open affordable groceraunt and food store locations —among other initiatives — to bring food security back to people who need it most.