"The need is there; people are hungry. We will continue to provide resources, but we have to also figure out a way to truly make it attainable with the education piece and policy, too. We continue to be reactive rather than proactive... food should be a true right attainable to everyone."

New Memphis has had several conversations about how social determinants of health all rely on each other for optimal community health. Research indicates a link between chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease — and low food security. This topic is often discussed around the holiday season, but it is of critical importance during the summer months, particularly for youth.

Joining us to discuss the essential stopgaps as well as what is needed to address basic, structural problems, are Ann Perry Wallace of First Congo and Karen Bernard of The Works Inc.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Memphis 101 on July 11
• 2024 New Memphis Leadership Summit on August 9
• 2024 TEDxMemphis on September 28
• Memphis-Shelby County Schools Nutrition Services' Summer Meal Program through August 2, 2024. For a full list of participating sites, text "SummerMeals" to 97779, call 1-866-348-6479 or visit SCSK12.org/summermeals.
• MIFA's Meals on Wheels programming for seniors
• The Memphis Dream Center food resources
• The Memphis Flyer article "The Fight for Food"
• The Works, Inc
• First Congo Church
• Meanwhile in Memphis S3E47
• Food Swamps vs Food Deserts
• Mid-South Food Bank
• Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry
• South Memphis Farmers Market
• Meanwhile in Memphis S3E11

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.