PRESENTERS:  Heather Wallace (Faculty) and Olivia Stante, Rachel Gutting (Graduate Student), Sarah Sharp, Rachel Walsh, Issac Stephenson             ZOOM LINK

Our topic addresses nutrition insecurity within the Grand Rapids community. In our current economic climate, financial insecurity is increasing, and the cost of nutritious, whole foods is greater than that of cheaper, nutrient-poor food options. Nutrition insecurity is an imperative social justice issue that may disproportionately impact low-income individuals and families, and affect several areas of health including child development, obesity, non-communicable diseases, physical activity, and more. Throughout this session, we will provide an overview of nutrition insecurity, the influence of social determinants of health, why it is important within public health, and how urban gardening is a potential intervention for our community. We will conclude with an interactive activity for participants to design their own urban garden. (Powerpoint)