The first thing to do after returning from Iowa’s Community Food Security Coalition conference was to read Mark Winne’s book “Closing the Food Gap, Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty” (click here for a link to Amazon). Mr. Winne’s book was a good read and has much to say in the end regarding Race, Class and Privilege.

In this book we were also introduced to Zy Weinberg, and connected the name to the name badge to the face at a workshop on the first floor of the Des Moines convention center. We were attending Mapping Interactions and Discovering Opportunities in Federal Food Programs.

Gray hair, sunken cheeks, and engaging eyes. He took in the room. Zy Weinberg. He and Barbara Vauthier, are the editors of Foodlinks America, a website journal of the TEPAP Alliance. What is TEPAP? Check the link to Foodlinks America above. Zy Weinberg is to be credited with much of where American food policy has been shaped in getting food to people who need food in this country. He is to be thanked.

While perusing the USDA Competitive Grant Program application guidelines, and looking at information on the CFSC website, I came across Zy’s name again, which prompted an e-mail. We look forward to meeting him again when introductions can be made.

Food insecurity is not noticeable by most Americans if the evening party attended this weekend was any indication. Young adults, in the heart of downtown, genuinely oblivious to the fact there are food deserts in the city of Chicago. You would think they would be aware, being Chicagoans themselves.

Everyone has a right to food. Everyone has a right to have access to food. And everyone has a right to have access to food that is healthful. If you don’t, you end up with kids who have diabetes, obesity issues, and potential heart problems. Healthy food is the beginning of the true health care system. By investing in better food in low-income areas we can reduce the strain on the county hospital system and continue to teach healthy preventative measures.

What works? What gets a kid in your neighborhood to eat good food?