As one of the persons responsible for the television show you enjoy each week, my knowledge of gardening has expanded exponentially over the past year. Traveling with Nan has given me a pretty broad exposure to growers, farmers, and people who care very deeply about the natural world, the health of the planet and where their food comes from. But I have to admit when the topic of food justice was first raised, I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant. I thought food justice was the same as food desert. I soon learned differently. Food deserts are defined as areas where no fresh, quality produce can be obtained within a one-square mile radius. We found food deserts in National City and City Heights. That was expected. Oceanside? Not too surprising. But Poway? And Rancho Bernardo? Now that got my attention. Hunger is in our midst. Sometimes its not having enough to eat. Sometimes its a desire for healthy food, for options of getting food whether it’s growing it or buying it. Sometimes it’s the luxury of having something healthy and fresh instead of processed and calorie-laden. The ability to grow food and to have access to fresh food is vital to turning food deserts into food oases. There are so many important programs and dedicated people working to bring this change. It was an honor to meet them and witness their dedication to improving the health in our community. The student intern program at Crawford was an excellent example where high schoolers learn how to plant, harvest, compost, and deliver quality food to fellow students via the student cafeteria. San Diego Unified School District has been visionary in implementing this program, and in local sourcing organic produce from San Diego growers and from throughout the state. In Olivewood Gardens in National City, they’re teaching elementary school kids about where their food comes from, from the carbon chain to the compost pile and everything in between, including learning to prepare all the wonderful produce they grow. Preschoolers at the Bronner Garden which provides fresh produce to seven preschools from Oceanside to Vista to Escondido is a project of North County Community Services. The youngest students learn where food comes from and are served fresh produce in meals they eat every day. And in more affluent communities like Poway and Rancho Bernardo, the community has come together to address the need, growing organic produce, collecting excess fruit from neighborhood trees and even picking for people who don’t have time or ability. Then all this great food is offered to needy residents at free farmer’s markets where they can get produce in a variety and quality they might not be able to afford or find otherwise. IRC Crawford Garden Coordinator Keegan Oneal told me that access go to quality food is human rights issue. And I agree. It’s not just filling bellies, but it’s about helping communities understand how to grow and how to prepare foods that will give them healthful options for a lifetime. San Diego may have food deserts, but we also have a lot of compassionate and caring people making sure there is food and justice for all.
