25. Food sovereignty and the impact of racism on food systems

1. What are your thoughts and feelings after reviewing the materials? What surprised you? What did you learn?
2. Reflect upon where you get your fresh food. Consider journaling the food you consume in one day. Where is it coming from? How does your access to food compare to that of underresourced and underserved communities? What challenges do you face regarding food access, and how might others be impacted by systemic food inequities?
3. Explore how redlining and racial segregation created the urban landscape. Food apartheid is an outgrowth of systemic racism. Are there urban farm sites in your community aimed at addressing food apartheid? If so, how can you support or get involved with these initiatives?
4. How is local government addressing food access in your community? Explore the policies surrounding food justice—consider issues of equity and justice. Is there a commitment to provide access to healthy and culturally-appropriate foods to economically disadvantaged people? How can you push for policies that promote food sovereignty in your area?
5. Reflect upon the fact that the agricultural system in this country was built upon the labor of enslaved people. Consider that farm management is predominantly white, while farm labor is predominantly Black and brown. What actions can you take to challenge and change the disparities in labor and management within the agricultural sector?
6. Recall the discussion on cultural appropriation from Issue 24. Reflect upon Adrian Miller’s statement: “soul food remains stigmatized… The stigma is so pervasive that when soul food dishes such as Nashville Chicken go mainstream, African American cooks are not credited.” Explore who is appreciating African American food culture and who is appropriating it. What actions can you take to correct the narrative by giving credit to African American food culture and acknowledging the source?

This module has highlighted the intersection of food justice, racism, and systemic oppression in our food systems. The exploitation of Black and Indigenous communities for agricultural labor and the ongoing issue of food apartheid reveal deep inequalities. Reflect on how you can help shift the narrative toward food sovereignty, empowering communities of color to lead in defining their food systems.  As you deepen your understanding, think about how you can support local, sustainable, and equitable food initiatives. Whether advocating for policy changes, backing urban farms, or honoring the cultural significance of food, we all play a role in dismantling food inequities and building a more just system.