On a hot summer day, volunteers and church members were busy unloading supplies for the 17th annual Family Health and Food Fest at Wholesome Church in Wimauma, Florida. Boxes filled with food, toiletries, toys, and health pamphlets piled up as families chatted in a mix of Creole, French, and Spanish.
This festival is part of the outreach efforts by the University of South Florida’s College of Nursing. Student volunteers and nursing staff aim to bridge healthcare gaps in the Tampa Bay area, providing essential resources to those in need.
Sharon Benitez, a senior nursing student, shares her thoughts: “Events like this help people discover the services they can access. I was surprised to learn how many resources exist.” At the festival, she managed a booth promoting healthy lifestyle choices, handing out flyers and fun items like stickers and resistance bands to attract families.
The goal aligns with the U.S. Healthy People 2030 initiative, which aims to improve health nationwide by addressing social determinants of health. These include factors like education, environment, and access to healthcare, all crucial for the well-being of individuals.
Carlos Irizarry, a registered nurse and pastor, understands these challenges well. He has organized health events to enhance wellness in the community. He points out that many people face barriers like transportation issues and language barriers, making it hard to simply say, “Go to the doctor.”
At the festival, local organizations provided services such as blood glucose tests and eye exams. While this gives students hands-on experience, it also sheds light on the reality many attendees face. For example, many struggled with high blood sugar levels, often due to lifestyle challenges exacerbated by socioeconomic conditions.
“Nutrition is often overlooked, especially in lower-income areas,” Benitez adds. Her observations are supported by a 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine, showing that social determinants heavily impact health equity, especially for racially marginalized groups.
Michael Canizares, another nursing student, also notes the impact of these challenges on families. He emphasizes how time constraints and lack of resources contribute to poorer dietary choices. “It’s tough when you’re working multiple jobs or have a big family,” he explains.
Data from various studies highlight that individuals from certain racial and socioeconomic backgrounds face significant health disparities. For instance, the Healthy People 2030 report highlights how systemic issues contribute to higher poverty rates among racial and ethnic minorities.
Irizarry’s commitment goes beyond organizing the festival. He actively advocates for better conditions in Wimauma, collaborating with local leaders to address economic issues. “Many people can’t speak for themselves, so it’s essential to raise awareness about their struggles,” he says.
Overall, the festival serves as a vital resource, helping individuals access necessary health services and encouraging them to take charge of their well-being. Irizarry believes that empowering the community is key: “We want people to thrive in all areas of health, not just survive.”
This community engagement is crucial, especially as access to quality health resources continues to be a pressing issue nationwide. With the ongoing impact of economic challenges and social disparities, events like the Family Health and Food Fest shine a light on what can be done to foster healthier communities.
