Amplifying Lived Expertise on "Food Is Medicine" in the Mississippi Delta's Legacy of Racism

Top Things to Know

The Delta GREENS project aims to improve health outcomes by providing locally grown fruits and vegetables to residents.

Systemic racism has led to food inequity and resource deprivation in the Mississippi Delta, affecting Black farmers and communities.

Integrating the perspectives and lived experiences of residents is crucial for effective and equitable Food Is Medicine interventions.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study explored the historical and ongoing food inequity in the Mississippi Delta due to systemic racism. It highlights the Delta GREENS project, which aims to improve cardiometabolic health outcomes through a produce prescription program. This program provides weekly fruit and vegetable boxes grown by local farmers to residents receiving health care services from the Delta Health Centers. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse community perspectives and lived experiences into Food Is Medicine interventions. It also discusses the challenges faced by Black farmers, including the significant decline in Black land ownership and the impact of food apartheid on health outcomes.