In many poor Black communities across the United States, we suffer from what has been called “Food Deserts.” Food deserts are urban areas in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. You know where fast food “restaurants” and stores with processed foods that you microwave to eat are available but it’s hard to find fresh fruit or fresh vegetables like cucumbers or kale.
Studies have shown this leads to a number of health problems from diabetes to high cholesterol, hypertension and more.
And while many local and national politicians are debating over the issue, one non-profit group, Appetite For Change, along with the Beats & Rhymes Crew, decided to do something about it, and wrote a song about it too. Wanna hear it? Play the full video here.
According to their website, Appetite For Change is uses food as a tool building health, wealth, and social change in North Minneapolis. AFC is a community-led organization that strengthens families, creates economic prosperity, and encourages healthy living.
They have workshops that bring together communities and families around food, they create gardens in the community, they are creating a sustainable food system with local growers and businesses, and have opened the Kindred Kitchen, a state-of-the-art 2,000 square foot, fully-loaded, commercial shared commissary kitchen open to small food businesses who are looking for a commercial kitchen to launch or grow their business. Growers can process their locally harvested produce, while caterers and food trucks can use the space to prepare their meals. Kindred Kitchen also offers classes to anyone interested in learning more about food business.
But it was the video that has people talking just how awesome of an idea taking control of your own food really is.
Some of the lyrics are:
See in my hood there ain’t really much to eat
Popeyes on the corner, McDonald’s right across the street
All this talk about guns and the drugs, pretty serious
But look at what they feeding ya’ll that’s what’s really killing us.
The song even gives a shout out to Michelle Obama giving her props for speaking out and using her platform to encourage everyone in America to eat better.
And all of this was done by some teenagers!
According to The Original People‘s instagram who originally shared the viral video, AFC teamed up with the #BeatsandRhymesCrew, the same rap group that created the Hot Cheetos and Takis song a couple of years ago that reached national fame with currently over 14 million YouTube views, and are now flipping the script and addressing those same junk foods that are hurting our communities.The song entitled, “Grow Food” follows the kids through the North Side of Minneapolis where they drop some GRADE A bars about growing their own food and shining a light on food inequities in America.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
