By Aswad Walker
In Houston, Black farmers are at the forefront of the fight against food deserts. Food deserts are neighborhoods where fresh, affordable food is hard to find. Over 500,000 people in Houston live in these areas, mainly in neighborhoods like Acres Homes and Third Ward.
A study from the Kinder Institute found that 53% of Black households in Harris County face food insecurity, with one in five lacking easy access to fresh foods. Activists often use the term “food apartheid,” introduced by Karen Washington, to highlight the racial and economic systems that limit food access. Regardless of the term used, many Black communities suffer from limited food options and related health issues.
Although only 1.3% of Americans are farmers, only 3% of Texas farmers are Black. Texas is home to 11,741 Black farmers, representing nearly a quarter of all Black farmers in the U.S.
Local Black farmers are redefining what food justice means. DeShaun Taylor, co-owner of Taylor Made Farms, believes it’s about knowing where your food comes from. “We shouldn’t have to drive from Acres Homes to The Woodlands for a tomato. That’s injustice,” she says. Her husband, Jazzyyy, adds that access to healthy food is crucial for breaking cycles of poor health in their community.
Della Holden, founder of The Socialites Riding Network, emphasizes self-reliance. “We’re taking back the responsibility of growing our own food,” she explains. Her AgriVersity serves as a community garden and training space where locals can learn to grow their food.
Shaka Von Thomas, who leads the Houston Board of Food Security, connects technology with agriculture to meet community needs. He aims to gather data on food demands using QR codes, helping to guide what to grow.
The Fresh Houwse Grocery, co-founded by Jeremy Peaches and Ivy Walls, acts as a hub for Black farmers and products. Peaches highlights the importance of growing food and advocating for better access. “One percent of people control 99% of food production,” he points out. He sees a cultural shift where local producers are taking charge, emphasizing the community aspect of agriculture.
Overall, Houston’s Black farmers are not just addressing food shortages; they are nurturing a movement that prioritizes health, community, and equality in food access.
Source link
food deserts,food insecurity
