Food security is a matter of health and well-being for people and stability for our communities. For women, not only does food security impact her at a personal, individual level, but also at a community level given the consequences for family and friends. In this respect, women have much to offer in finding solutions for food security. Several opportunities are outlined below. These initiatives prioritize women’s well-being through nutritional food access as well as suggest new leadership opportunities.
Workshops on Eating Well and Health Management
To empower women on their journey to optimal health, communities and organizations can host workshops on the role of food, food security and health management. These sessions should seek to provide valuable insights into "designing nutritious plates" that are aligned with personal and planetary health. The focus should be on the 360 degrees to health, enabling women to holistically consider the role of food through the various chapters of their lives. Furthermore, by connecting food to the dimensions of wellness, a mindset for food as a journey including for physical, mental, cognitive, social, and environmental well-being, can be fostered.
Exploring Food Security Issues at Work and in the Community
Beyond the household, food insecurity (a hidden challenge) can impact employee health and well-being. Employees can be empowered to take an active role in understanding and addressing food security issues across multiple contexts. It is imperative to advocate for workplace policies that support food security to identify and solve challenges related to food access and affordability (including by being mindful of cultural nuances).
Participating in or Championing Community or Rooftop Gardens
Participating in or championing community or rooftop gardens can augment local food systems. Rooftop gardens can not only enable food security for employees, but also contribute to a sense of community and shared responsibility within and outside the organizational context.
Learning About Vertical Gardens and Partnership Opportunities
Similarly, learning about vertical gardening techniques empowers communities to creatively use urban spaces to support food security. Forming partnerships within the local community can amplify the impact of these efforts, creating a network of support for sustainable food practices.
Learning About and Supporting Local Food Producers
Supporting local farmers' markets or community-supported agriculture programs is as much about food security as it is about responsible consumption. These initiatives are key to the economic viability and stability of our communities.
Exploring Food Sharing Programs with Community Stakeholders
By exploring and initiating food sharing programs that involve civil society (including kitchens and shelters), the dual goals of enabling food security and reducing food waste can be achieved. Partnering with local stakeholders can expand the impact of these programs, whilst building soft skills for employees who can confidently leverage these skill sets for organizational endeavors. For example, volunteering and organizing drives can empower employees to assume leadership roles within local communities and to achieve needed recognition that can easily translate to desired professional opportunities within organizations.
Conclusion
By embracing initiatives that promote nutritional food access and practices, women can not only empower themselves but also create a ripple effect that strengthens local communities. Nourishing HER is not just a personal journey, it is a joint effort towards building thriving communities. Thriving communities lend well then to organizational goals be it ensuring the social right to exist within communities, through employment opportunities and/or consumer activities.
Comments