Last week, CURA hosted a panel discussion on Food Security & Healthy Communities. This was the first in a series of events centered around the theme of Food Security & Healthy Communities. Our panel consists of experts from the City of Columbus - Cheryl L Graffagnino, Franklin County - Brian Estabrook, OSU Extension - Karima Samadi, and the College of Engineering, Knowlton School of Architecture - Kareem Usher. 

Nearly 11% of the world’s population are food insecure or malnourished, and it may get worse: by 2050 farmers will need to produce almost 60% more food than currently. In Franklin County Ohio food insecurity is affecting Columbus neighborhoods. The type of food that is available to residents in these neighborhoods also plays into food insecurity. People who live in areas that do not have easy access to supermarkets tend to rely on stores that sell nutritionally-deficient or more expensive food. Transportation services, sidewalks, and the availability of crosswalks are also variables in residents’ access to healthy food options.

The panel discussion was a big hit with a packed audience who were very passionate about food security in the local community. One of the topics brought up at the discussion was that nearly a third of college students nationwide say they do not have enough food to eat, according to a national survey. At Ohio State alone roughly 15% of students have little food security, according to an article from Ohio State News. This be being combated by the Buckeye Food Alliance, whose vision is that no Buckeye goes hungry. The Buckeye Food Alliance has space in Lincoln Tower and just recently opened a second pantry at St. Stephen's. Anyone with a valid BuckID can use the pantry. Other topics of note at the panel discussion are all the wonderful efforts taking place in the Central Ohio community to help fight food insecurity, including efforts by the Mid-Ohio Food Bank to partner with Kroger to help end hunger in Ohio. Any shopper at Kroger can join the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative by rounding up their checkout total to the nearest dollar. By rounding up, you are making a donation to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. 

If you missed or were unable to attend this event do not worry. You can watch the recorded panel discussion now!