Food Deserts, Youth Disadvantage, and What We're Doing About It

by Elizabeth Galik 12. May 2010 11:10
Sometimes one memory is enough to motivate movement.
 
In my mind, I can still see a mama of five, house-bound with obesity, asthma, and diabetes, shouting to me from a third-floor window asking for food for her family. This mama has since passed away, and urban nutrition remains a pressing need. Research reinforces what we see: our kids with dinners of hot chips and sugar-water, convenience store food.  Our kids unfortunately live on the border of a "Food Desert" region and a "Deck Stacked Against Them" region.  (See pg. 16 - we're the southwest corner of Region 23)  There is much to be done.
 
So today the Humboldt Park Kitchen Nutrition Project is underway.  With this kitchen, we host cooking classes for children and families, as well as providing nutritious dinner options for our teen ball players.  Dinner proceeds provide sustainable income for the Center, accomplishing a dual purpose.  New plumbing, electrical, gas hookups, and donated appliances have all been contributed.  The incredible men driving this renovation are using unbelievable amounts of time, work, resources, and networks all to build our kitchen!  We're now gathering volunteers to paint walls & cabinets, donations of tile, and $1,300 to safely remove the ancient flooring.  Anyone in?  
 
Let's pray and work to give our kids the best advantage we can.  Voice your support; e-mail us or join our Cause on Facebook!
 

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