An Idealistic View Of The Bronx Food System

Seeing the world as it truly is, even when it’s not easy, is a courageous act of self-awareness that can lead to positive change.

Where’s the Food Source?

Have you ever savored an evening in Manhattan, seated at a top-tier Michelin-starred restaurant, indulging in a sumptuous prime-cut meal?

As you revel in the evening, you probably didn't anticipate that the hand-cut carrots, creamy potatoes, and buttery, golden-seared scallops were distributed throughout the South Bronx. Surprisingly, this borough, which has been ranked as the least healthy county in New York State and the third least healthy county in the United States, is where you can find the world's largest distribution center - Hunts Point Cooperative Market. The distribution hub, covering 112 acres and hosting approximately 52 merchants, manages more than 2.5 billion pounds of produce from 49 states and 55 countries each year. It's just unfortunate how the luxurious Michelin-starred restaurant is more likely to have a stronger connection with the Hunts Point Cooperative Market than its neighbors, the local community. Meanwhile, three miles west of Hunts Point, there’s the Melrose area of the South Bronx. In a 33-block radius, there are 55 fast-food restaurants and 39 pharmacies or medical supply stores. Interestingly, for every two fast food outlets, there is a pharmacy offering solutions for health concerns related to poor nutrition.

NYS Unhealthiest County

For over a decade, The Bronx has held the title of the least healthy county due to a combination of factors such as poor general health, lack of physical activity, and restricted access to nutritious foods. These issues are systemic and do not reflect negatively on the residents. It's crucial to examine the accessibility of healthy food choices for Bronx residents.

Are we offering sufficient education on beneficial nutritional resources? 

Or are we inadvertently pushing them towards depending on inexpensive, diverse, fresh produce from food pantries, food program vouchers, or seasonal distributions? 

How can the Bronx effectively address food insecurity when it's ingrained in the system?

 We Un-Ingrain the System

Food is an essential requirement for survival. In the Bronx, the surroundings might influence decisions when selecting fresh, affordable, and nutritious food alternatives.

Our city faces a shortage of professionals who have pursued career paths in agricultural and technical education. These fields cover a variety of roles in food production, food science, natural resources, and plant and animal management. 

We must nurture specialists to influence the decisions that shape the environment. We must educate future leaders about agriculture, a crucial element in community development, particularly in nutrition and wellness.

Imagine our future caretakers serving TikTok-inspired Cheetos-flavored meals – is that something that piques your interest when you’re elderly?

So Let’s Correct It Now

Vibrnt Seeds is not just an organization challenging today’s food insecurity crisis; it is a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future for the Bronx and its residents. We are designing a world where children are empowered to not only consume but also create their own nourishment, the possibilities for personal growth and a brighter future are endless. 

Our Go Grow kits are not just tools for gardening, they are seeds of change. Through our garden kits, they are encouraged to cultivate plants, spark their creativity, and foster personal growth. These kits are not just tools for gardening; they are seeds of change, planting the idea that a healthier, more vibrant future is within reach. 

Our goal is to showcase to our children the Bronx neighborhoods from a new angle, introducing a fresh system and rejuvenated surroundings for all to prosper in. We are dedicated to transforming the Bronx's reputation into one centered on health and wellness. Just like our seeds, which illuminate Bronx neighborhoods in need of nutritious food options.

Picture the joy of encountering a vibrnt and dynamic mobile farm bus traversing the streets of Melrose, imparting valuable knowledge on the importance of consuming nutritious foods, while simultaneously providing the locals with an abundance of fresh and flavorful herbs and leafy greens that can last them an entire week.

The potential for change lies within the hands of the younger generation, as well as our peers and elders. The decisions they make have a significant impact on the future and the direction in which it is headed. It is crucial to implement an inclusive system that allows everyone to equally benefit from the abundant resources that Mother Earth has to offer. Such a system will empower individuals to play an active role in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for all.