Negate the food swamp with healthy cooking and planning a garden

Issues:  A food desert is an area that lacks access to healthy and affordable foods leading to the risk of becoming hungry or undernourished.  Food insecurity occurs when the availability of nutritionally adequate foods and safe foods are limited or difficult to obtain from local establishments.  Improving the food environment is critical to improving and eliminating health inequities associated with diet related diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.  The majority of residents living in Baltimore City’s fifty-five neighborhoods live in a food desert.   

Description: The purpose of the program is to a teach hands on cooking series for six weeks, provide instructions in preparing healthy traditional foods, and plan and develop a residential container vegetable garden.   

Lesson Learned:  Knowledge of healthy eating and cooking has an immediate impact on participant’s decisions to changing eating behaviors and desire to live healthier. Food insecurity is not eliminated within one six-week program.  Vegetable gardens do provide personal access to healthier foods if grown. 

Recommendations: Take advantage of the Virtual Supermarket program in place throughout the city and administered at select public libraries. Participate in community gardens programs initiated in city. Establish a support group to encourage continuation of healthy eating, and advocate for local grocery stores that sell affordable healthy foods.