Our Space Our Food Our Bed Stuy

Our Space, Our Food, Our Bed-Stuy is a 13-minute short documentary film examining lack of healthy foods available to members of Brooklyn, New York’s historically African-American neighborhood, Bedford Stuyvesant.

Income, race/ethnicity and distance from an urban center are associated with poor food environments. Approximately, 13.5 million Americans live in a “food desert” - an area that has low access to supermarkets or large grocery stores. In urban areas, like New York City, small convenience stores, also called bodegas may be the sole source for food and may not be considered an area designated as a “food desert.” Approximately 176 bodegas, are in Bed Stuy, and make up approximately 81% of food stores in the neighborhood. However, only 1 in 3 bodegas carry healthy foods like reduced-fat milk, fresh vegetables and fruits. Bed Stuy is considered one of the sickest neighborhoods as indicated by high rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes among its residents.

Through the lens of local residents, shop owners, gardeners, and activists, Our Space, Our Food, Our Bed-Stuy explores the multifaceted nature of Bed-Stuy's food access issues. This film is intended to inform and mobilize  local community members as well as those in other communities with a similar food landscape. “Our Space” explores the grassroots initiatives that address the problem every step of the way.