The Equity Orientation

The Equity Orientation

What are the current narratives that drive decisions, programs and policies about food in West Virginia?

Does the public at each level of the socioeconomic gradient understand and buy into the vision of how to eat?

Is the West Virginia vision of a profitable local food system and healthy food more accessible to middle- and upper-income groups in comparison to low to moderate income groups?

How does the common understanding of health in West Virginia intersect with narratives on local food in West Virginia?

How do the local food system narratives in West Virginia drive solutions to the food deserts that low wealth community’s experience?

Can qualitative research, digital stories, in-depth interviews, photonarratives identify causes of food poverty and ways to combat food poverty?

While the health community focuses on personal factors such as lack of education and poor eating habits, solving food deserts and food poverty requires attention to poverty, income inequalities, lack of transportation and limited availability of foods offered at the local convenience store. It is helpful to implement health education and health promotion programming for residents to encourage them to eat healthier foods.

But taking account of missing narratives could drive the political will and resources needed to further local, equitable food systems that can address food access issues, improve community health, protect the environment and generate local wealth.