On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the ninth iteration of CNN Dialogue was held at Spelman College in Atlanta, moderated by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta. A CNN Dialogue is a community forum where diverse perspectives and ideas are highlighted, discussing the most important issues and events that shape our society.
This CNN Dialogue was called “Hungry for Change: America’s Struggle to Eliminate Food Deserts.”The discussion focused on the 49 million Americans, or nearly one-in-six, that lack access to enough food to live healthy and active lifestyles. There were four panelists: Hugh Acheson, a chef, restaurateur, author and sustainability advocate; Maura Daly, the chief communication and development officer for Feeding America; K.Rachid Nuri, the founder of Truly Living Well Center; and Monica White, an assistant professor of environmental justice at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
Their discussions revolved around issues of food security and food deserts in the U.S.. They conversed about what works, what does not work, and what should be done to put more healthy foods in the hands of more Americans.
One of the interesting topics they talked about is how many people relate obesity with laziness and over-consumption; when the truth is that many simply cannot afford healthy food. They are stuck with having to make ends meet with cutting back on food expenses.
“Junk food” in the U.S. is a lot cheaper to purchase than healthy food. It is also a lot easier to obtain.
Fast Food restaurants and ice cream shops seem to be in every corner, they are extremely easy to access since the drive- thru can be used, but when it comes to healthy produce, it changes to a more expensive and time-consuming reality.
This does not only affect adults as nearly 16 million children spend their days and nights hungry.
For the first time in two centuries, children in America may live up to five years less than their parents if left unchecked, due to the rapid rise in childhood obesity.
There are many solutions that were named at the discussion such as persuading more Americans to grow their own produce, as well as educating them about the harms of eating unhealthy.
“You can pay me now or pay the doctor later,” said K. Rashid Nuri, who was one of the four panelists and founder of the Truly Living Well Center.
This is a big issue that can be fixed, but it is going to take some time to get there.
