Monique’s Story

I am a registered dietician as well as a primary care medical practice manager in Baltimore, MD. In my dual role, I see the critical need for Partnership for a Healthier America’s Fight for Food Equity campaign. This is why I am urging you to join me in making a tax-deductible donation to support their efforts this Thanksgiving season.

More than 95% of the patients I see are people of color, and the majority of my patients suffer from diet-related chronic disease, especially diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. These diseases define much of their lives: inability to work, frequent visits to the doctor or hospital, and now, higher mortality rates from COVID-19.

Mother and son in hospital.

The lack of food equity in these communities is a massive contributor to the prevalence of disease and suffering that I see everyday. Many of my patients readily confess that they were raised on fast food. And, it’s understandable… in many neighborhoods in Baltimore, a fast food hamburger is both cheaper and more accessible than a fresh piece of fruit. Until there is food equity in their neighborhoods, the generational cycle of chronic, diet-related disease will continue.

PHA leads the Fight for Food Equity in communities around the country like the one I work in. PHA works at every level of the food system–from farmers to wholesalers and retailers–to bring affordable access to healthy food to every American community, especially low-income, rural and communities of color. And they are succeeding, but they need our help to sustain their momentum. That’s why I made a special Thanksgiving gift of $50. I am asking you, if you are able, to do the same.

In solidarity,

Monique

A fast food hamburger is both more affordable and more accessible than a fresh piece of fruit.

PHA’s Work in Communities Across the Country

Our Fight for Food Equity means PHA is marshalling resources from across the country to ensure every American has affordable access to good food.

Our Fight for Food Equity means working for systemic change at every level of the food system. It means delivering healthy food options to the millions of Americans in underserved communities.

Our Fight for Food Equity means going directly into communities, as we have done in Denver, CO and, most recently, in Rochester, NY, to bring hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to tens of thousands of people in need.

Affordable access to healthy food cannot be a luxury. Diet-related diseases directly connected to food inequity destroy millions of lives, families, communities and the American economy.

Volunteers unload PHA fresh boxes full of fruits and vegetables to promote healthy eating for families and communities in need.

We need you to join us in the Fight for Food Equity.

When you make a tax-deductible gift today of $50 or more, you are giving more Americans, including children, access to the fresh and healthy food we take for granted.`

This is a wonderful program, especially for people who don’t have transportation or family to shop for them—and those who are handicapped… it’s a blessing!

Dr. Olajide Williams Talks Food Equity

PHA Board Member, Dr. Olajide Williams, is a Professor of Neurology and Chief of Staff/Chief Medical Officer of Neurology at Columbia University. Dr Williams’s research focuses on community-based behavioral interventions with an emphasis on health equity. His insights here are critical to moving the needle forward on food and health equity.