This National Nutrition Month, we recognize that a well-balanced diet is a key component of maintaining both physical and mental health, and supporting an active lifestyle. Proper nutrition, which comes from incorporating fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole rains, and healthy fats into your diet, helps to uplift our energy, mood, and cognitive function, enabling us to live well and live longer. As the old adage goes, “food is fuel,” but it can also be so much more: a source of pleasure, ritual, and connection to family and community.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that access to proper nutrition is often limited due to systemic racism, poverty, and social inequality. In many cities across the U.S., “food deserts”—areas without access to healthy, affordable food—persist in predominantly Black, Latinx, and low-income communities, where gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food chains far outnumber supermarkets and grocery stores. In 2017, a report from the Massachusetts Public Health Association found that 40% of Massachusetts is considered a food desert, disproportionately impacting the neighborhoods of Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, and Brockton. Within the city of Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, and East Boston face higher rates of food insecurity than other neighborhoods, worsened by residential segregation and lack of public transit access. Unequal distribution of food and nutrition resources is one major way that health inequity manifests in our communities, predisposing individuals to poor overall health outcomes and higher incidences of chronic disease.

At Whittier, we commit to addressing food insecurity as part of our mission to promote health equity through various programs and initiatives. Our on-site WIC Nutrition Program, Food Pantry, Community Garden and Teaching Kitchen help to connect our patients with healthy and free food, as well as cooking and nutrition education.

For more information on our food access and nutrition programs, please visit https://www.wshc.org/programs/prescription-for-health/.

Graphic Design by @Devin Williams