Contemporary Families An Equity Lens Textbook Chapter 9 Food and Water

. FOOD AND WATER FOOD AND WATER CHAPTER ) I 311 FOOD AND WATER CHAPTER QUESTIONS As you read this chapter , consider the following questions How is the production tied to equity ?

What role do government crop subsidies play in nutrition ?

What role do tax breaks and food banks play in food insecurity ?

How do Food costs and the poverty line interact ?

What a family Food purchases ?

How does what you ve read relate to your own family experience with food ?

What are the factors that affect a family access to safe water and sanitation ?

we . What role does the government play in the water and sanitation system ?

Are safe water and sanitation a human right ?

312 I FOOD FOOD Elizabeth Pearce and Amy I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies , education and culture for their minds , and dignity , equality and freedom for their spirits . Martin Luther King , have a rule of three you can survive out food for three weeks , without water for three days , without shelter from a harsh environment for three hours , and without air for three If a human goes out any of these resources for a long enough time , death will eventually be the result . It stands to reason that when we talk about American families needs , we would talk about all of these in this chapter we will look at both food and water . Abraham Hierarchy of Needs theory ( 1943 ) describes these physiological needs as being a key tor in human behavior Obtaining food , water , shelter , sleep and oxygen to survive consumes a large amount of our time and resources both directly and indirectly . Think Fig , 91 some of the foods are about how much time your family spends working to pay difficult for families to . Rule of threes ( survival ) 2020 , February ) Retrieved February 10 , 2020 , from ( survival ) hierarchy of needs . 2020 , February ) Retrieved February 10 , 2020 , from

FOOD I 313 for food . In general , families pay a smaller percentage of their income for food than they did 50 years ago . That not because food expenses have decreased , but because other costs , primarily shelter and health care , have increased . We discuss shelter ( housing and living environments ) in the Housing chapter . Now consider your family access to water . While we may not think about paying for it as a percentage of our incomes , access to plentiful , clean , safe water is by where we live . The resources that are invested into our community infrastructure , which includes water and sanitation , impact our safety and overall health . Where we live matters when it comes to having available and safe water . Personal are only one part of the cost , and societal dynamics that play into meeting these basic needs . We must pay attention to where foods come from , business and government investment in food production , and the business of food charity . Time is another cost of food families decide how much time is spent purchasing , preparing , eating , and cleaning up meals . Turning on a faucet to access clean , toxin free drinking water requires building , maintaining , and monitoring water and sanitation systems , and this comes at a cost that not all municipalities can afford . While the federal government has invested in water infrastructure , there is not an ongoing commitment , so these needs must be balanced with competing needs such as schools , parks , police , and libraries . There are variations and on how food and water needs are met , but mately they must be met in some way . Producing Food Prior to the formation of the United States , families found food in a variety of ways , including foraging , ing , and growing food . As the country progressed toward a formal organizational structure managed by the settlers , Native Americans were restricted to designated reservations , often on land that was not as fertile for farming . Food production via farms became a major economic factor . Industrialization created more efficiencies and more wealth for landowners . It is important to note that these new ways of sourcing food would not have been possible without three institutional structures . Oppression of the way of life that Native Americans had established here for thousands of years . Enslavement of African immigrants brought to this country for the explicit purpose of free labor out attention to their rights and needs . Laws that controlled immigrants from other countries by limiting who could immigrate by gender , familial , and employment status laws that discriminate based on nationality and immigration status related to wage , housing options , and kind of employment . These structures affected the functionality of all families in the United States , favoring White families , those who owned land . Which of these structures affect families today ?

If you answered all three , you are correct . Native Americans are still for rights related to their family needs that have been disrupted and 314 FOOD restricted the of slavery , including the restrictions of wealth attainment on Black people , affects the families who were able to accumulate wealth and the ones who were not and current immigration still place the needs of the employers . Black Black farmers in America have had a long and arduous struggle to own land and to operate independently . For more than a century after the Civil War , civil rights and various economic and social barriers were applied to maintaining a system where many Blacks worked as farm operators with a limited and often total lack of opportunity to achieve ownership and operating independence . Although some formerly enslaved ple were deeded land in the famous Forty Acres and a Mule division of lands in 1868 , the same land was later deeded back to the original Confederate owners and the Black families became sharecroppers rather than ers . Other Black farm owners saw their properties diminished throughout the century as described in this video . One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text You can View them online here ?

These personal stories help us understand how families that worked hard still were treated unjustly . Black farmers often ended up working for landowners once again . Even as employees , they received less protection than factory and office workers . When Social Security and Unemployment laws meant to protect workers were passed , they excluded people who worked on farms or as domestic help , of which the majority were immigrants and groups , including African Americans . Diminished civil rights also limited collective action strategies , such as cooperatives and unions . It is tempting to think that these past laws and practices do not affect us today . Many of the structures vive , however , in both subtle and obvious ways . In addition , because these structures limited access and land ownership in proximity to the vital resources of food and water , were able to build wealth more quickly and easily than any other group of families . We discuss the institutional factors related to ing , location , and wealth in the Housing chapter . arm and Workers Farm workers are and have been an essential part of the United States economy and food system . They come in varying immigration statuses , United States citizens or residents , on guest worker visas , or they could be undocumented workers . The following table describes the demographic characteristics of farm workers

FOOD 315 in the United States in 2018 from the , collected from data on the American Community Survey ( part of the Census project ) The data shows that about 55 of farm laborers are born in countries other than the United States . Demographic Characteristics of Farm Workers in the United States in 20183 Note Counts all private sector wage and salary workers employed in the crop , livestock , and agricultural support industries . All Farm Farm . All other . private laborers , managers , Agriculture All Item . occupations in . wage and gra ers inspectors , an occupations gala and supervisors ry workers Percent female 25 13 32 26 45 Average age in years 39 43 42 40 40 Percent under age 25 22 13 15 19 18 Percent over age 44 38 46 47 41 41 Percent married 47 61 52 51 48 Ancestry Percent White , not Hispanic 32 64 59 43 60 Percent Black , not Hispanic 12 Percent other , not Hispanic Percent Hispanic Mexican origin 57 27 28 45 12 Percent Hispanic Other Percent born in ( includes 45 76 75 57 80 Puerto Rico ) Percent citizens 54 84 83 65 90 Education lacking high school 48 24 20 38 Percent school diploma 32 31 33 32 29 ( includes equivalency ) Percent with at least some college 20 45 47 30 62 . Census Bureau . Farm labor . Economic Research Service .

316 FOOD Differences in demographics are also evident between crop and livestock workers ( not shown in table ) A larger share of laborers in crops and related support industries are female ( 28 percent versus 20 percent in livestock ) Crop laborers are also less likely to be White ( 25 percent versus 48 percent for livestock ) and less likely to have been born in the United States ( 39 percent for crop workers in manual labor occupations versus 60 percent for manual livestock workers ) Finally , crop laborers have lower levels of educational attainment 52 percent lack a high school degree , compared with 37 percent in livestock . Notably , the Department of Labor National Agricultural Workers Survey ( discussed below , larger shares of , Hispanic , and less educated employees among crop and support workers than does the ( livestock workers are not surveyed in ) For example , estimates that in Fiscal Years , just 25 percent of crop farm workers in manual labor occupations were born , compared with 39 percent in the . Since this data is gathered from a written survey related to the Census , it is important to note that there is likely some from groups that are the hardest to reach , including people of color , children under five , renters , immigrants , people with limited English , homes , Native tribal and urban communities , disabled people , people who distrust the government , and individuals . This is discussed at length in the Representation chapter . The survey also tells us that the average age for is on the rise , and they are more likely to be female . Younger immigrants are less likely to go into farm work than into other professions , so the population is aging . It is hypothesized that as men move toward agricultural employment ( rather than working with crops ) and there is increased machine usage , women are moving into these jobs . Immigrants , especially those who are not yet documented or who live in families , are more likely to experience poor treatment and be less likely to complain about bad work conditions . Field Workers

FOOD 317 Food Factory Workers The recent pandemic has brought necessary attention to the important function of meat tion and the preservation and Vegetables in factories . The federal government has determined them to be essential workers . Many of these workers are immigrants and people of color . The authors of this text plan to elaborate on this group of families in future editions of the text . For now , this podcast which highlights the experience of a mother supporting a of five who works in the pork plant in South Dakota illustrates the dilemmas an essential worker faces . Procuring Food We discuss getting food , and what causes some families to be hungry , or the more technical term , food We acknowledge that food insecurity is a symptom of another social problem , poverty . First , let look at some of the systems that affect food availability in the United States . Equitable access to food is hampered by governmental systems that focus on subsidizing farm crops . Federal government subsidies help farmers reduce their risk due to weather , commodities brokers , economic , and changes in demand . There are only five crops that receive these major government subsidies corn , soybeans , wheat , cotton , and rice . Producers of fruit , vegetables and meat only benefit from crop and disaster Farm subsidies have increased dramatically in the last four years , totaling 28 billion dollars for a two year period ( not including the additional payments authorized in the . 2020 , June 29 ) Farm subsidies with pros , cons , and impact . The Balance .

318 I FOOD spring of 2020 ) This the production of certain crops in the United States and provides stability for the families involved in producing those crops . It is more complicated to measure the effects of these subsidies on . We know that these subsidized food crops ( corn , soybeans , wheat and rice ) are more easily stored and utilized in processed foods , which nutritionists advise should be eaten in the smallest amounts . Crops in their raw forms , such as fruits , vegetables , legumes , meat , and dairy products , provide more health but are not subsidized consistently by the government . Here we may deduce that governmental subsidies of less healthy crops contributes to food availability and cost , affecting food chases . Lower income families and those living in food deserts ( described in the next section ) are most affected . Another challenge to food accessibility is the societal approach which focuses on governmental programs ( such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance , which will be described later ) and charity , which in itself has become a business . Grocery stores and other businesses Fig . Fresh produce is more difficult to store and less likely are provided with tax when they overproduce food and donate it to be available at food banks . to food banks . Andy Fisher , the author of Big Hunger , describes hearing from grocery store owners who acknowledge the overproduction of sheet cakes , birthday cakes , pastries , and other baked goods . Consumers do not wish to purchase the last cake on the shelf , and so stores overproduce these items . When they are no longer considered fresh , they are donated to food banks , This is one of the reasons that about 25 of the donations that Food Banks give away consist of food that is categorized as Listen to Fisher describe the complexities of this here . Not only is overproduction of food supported by tax deductions , but food banks themselves have become dollar businesses ( also described in the above podcast ) Food banks serve a charitable purpose that meets an immediate and important need . At the same time , if the real addressed , people could have the dignity of providing and choosing the food that is best for their own family . Poverty affects Americans of every group , including those descended from European Charles , 2019 , December 31 ) Farmers got billions from taxpayers in 2019 , and hardly anyone objected . 2013 , Andy Fisher interview Audio podcast episode . In Food Sleuth Radio .

FOOD 319 grants , but continues to affect the previously mentioned groups ( Native Americans , Black or African cans , and people descended from and some Asian countries ) in disproportionately larger The United States is an individualistic country and people are sometimes blamed for being poor . This makes the problem of hunger more approachable than the problem of poverty . It is encouraging to note , however , that increasing un at poverty stems not rom persona ut rom i A tion in circumstance and opportunity . Pew Center survey results released in March , 2020 , note that almost of American adults say that people who are rich have experienced more advantages than those who are poor only say that it is because rich people have worked harder . These viewpoints are uneven related to political and age , with Democrats and younger people more likely to hold the majority If more people View poverty as a social problem than a personal problem , it is more likely to be solved with a systemic tion . ood Deserts Perhaps you are familiar with this term , or have lived in a food desert . If you travel by bicycle or via public port , you may be more aware of food deserts in your community . Food deserts are geographic locations where there is not a variety of healthy food readily available ( within a mile in urban environments or within miles in a rural area ) Food deserts occur nationally , with a greater concentration deserts in the Midwest and southern states . Census Bureau ( 2013 , February ) Poverty Rates for Selected Detailed Race Hispanic Groups by State and Place . Pew Research Center . 2020 , March ) Most Americans point to circumstances , not Work ethic , to explain why people are rich or poor .

320 FOOD Fig . Convenience Stores such as this one do count as grocery stores because they do not sell the healthy fresh foods that nutritionists recommend . Think about the community that you live in . Where are the grocery stores ?

Convenience stores don count , because they do not typically have fresh fruits and vegetables . Are the stores even spaced out amongst the neighborhoods ?

Probably not , and typically the dearth of stores is in lower income neighborhoods . The same parts of Portland , Oregon that are identified as neighborhoods in the Housing chapter are also food deserts . The Oregon State ( Barometer wrote about food deserts in in 2019 , pointing out that the majority of grocery stores in are clustered around Street and Walnut Boulevard ?

Two of the four stores that are more distantly spaced are among the healthiest , emphasizing organic produce and natural foods , but also the most expensive . Shelby , 2019 , February 25 ) food deserts make nutritious , meals . Daily Barometer .

FOOD 321 What if there were federal funding to support equitable distribution of grocery stores that had a full tion of healthy foods ?

In the same way that federal subsidies protect farmers of selected crops from economic problems , they could protect grocery businesses and create greater equity for many consumers . To learn more about food deserts , or to access an interactive map that displays different ways of viewing food deserts , read article How to a food desert near vou and follow the link to the Food Atlas . The Line and Costs How is poverty ?

While there are multiple measures , a common and shared one is the Poverty old , also known as the Poverty Line . While poverty will affect all of the families related to all of the topics in this text , we will discuss it here because it was originally tied to the cost of food , an economy food In 1963 , the poverty line was designated at three times the economy food plan , and it was assumed that the housewife will be a careful shopper , a skillful cook , and a good manager who will prepare all the family meals at When became concerned about poverty during the , they quickly realized they needed to out how much poverty we had . To do so , a measure of official poverty , or a poverty line , was needed . A government economist , Mollie , calculated this line in 1963 by multiplying the cost of a very minimal diet by three , as a 1955 government study had determined that the typical American family spent one third of its income on food . Thus a family whose cash income is lower than three times the cost of a very mal diet is considered poor . This way of calculating the poverty line has not changed since 1963 , although the amount is adjusted by . It is thus out of date for many reasons . For example , many expenses , such as heat and electricity , child care , transportation , and health care , now occupy a greater percentage of the typical family budget than was true in 1963 . In addition , this measure ignores a family income from such as food stamps and tax credits . As a national measure , the poverty line also fails to take into account regional in the cost of living . All these problems make the official measurement of poverty highly suspect . As one poverty expert observes , The measure no longer corresponds to reality . It doesn get either side of the equation much the poor have or how much they need . No one really trusts the This is a good time to ask yourself , if you looked at food as a percentage of your budget , would it be the equivalent of 33 ?

That how the poverty line is still calculated . 10 . 2019 , September 16 ) The poverty rate is based on a hopelessly metric . Washington Post . 11 . 2011 , November ) Bleak portrait is offthe mark , experts say . New York Times , 322 FOOD Fig . The measure of official poverty began in 1963 and stipulates that a family whose income is lower than three times the cost of a minimal diet is considered officially poor . This measure has not changed since 1963 even though family expenses have risen greatly in many areas . The poverty line is adjusted annually for and takes into account the number of people in a family The larger the family size , the higher the poverty line . In 2010 , the poverty line for a nonfarm family of four ( two adults , two children ) was . A family earning even one more dollar than in 2010 was not officially poor , even though its extra income hardly lifted it out of dire economic straits . Poverty experts have calculated a budget that enables a family to meet its basic needs in food , clothing , shelter , and so forth this budget is about twice the poverty line . Families with incomes between the poverty line and twice the poverty line ( or twice poverty ) are barely making ends meet , but they are not considered officially poon When we talk here about the poverty level , then , keep in mind that we are talking only about official poverty and that there are many families and individuals living in near poverty who have trouble meeting their basic needs , especially when they face unusually high medical expenses , motor vehicle expenses , college debt , or the like . For this reason , many analysts think families need incomes twice as high as the federal poverty level just to

FOOD 323 get They thus use data ( family incomes below twice the poverty line ) to provide a more accurate understanding of how many Americans face serious difficulties , even if they are not living in ood Security and Insecurity in 1995 as a measurable problem , the introduced new language to describe ranges of severity of food insecurity in 2006 . The methods used to assess households food security remained unchanged . Here are the current of food security and food insecurity . Food Security ' High food security ( old security ) no reported indications of problems or ' Marginal food security ( old security ) one or two reported of anxiety over food or shortage of food in the house . Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake . Food Insecurity ' Low food security ( old insecurity without hunger ) reports of reduced quality , variety , or desirability of diet . Little or no indication of reduced food ' Very low food security ( old insecurity with hunger ) Reports of multiple indications of eating patterns and reduced food According to the , refer ( to a potential consequence of food insecurity that , because of longed , involuntary lack of food , results in discomfort , illness , weakness , or pain that goes beyond the usual uneasy Nationally , food insecurity has been a problem as long as it has been measured and the rate has changed very little the number of food insecure families was 12 in 1995 and was still in 2018 . Let look more closely at Oregon , where food insecurity has been one of the toughest challenges to overcome . 12 . Wright , Chan , 2011 ) Who are America poor children ?

The official story . New York , NY National Center for Children in Poverty . 13 . Anonymous . 2016 ) Social problems Continuity and change . University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing . 14 . Economic Research Service . Department of Agriculture . 2019 , September ) of food security . Retrieved March , 2020 , from

324 FOOD According to the Oregon Public Health Division , Oregon ranks in the nation for food insecurity among children , and for adults . While efforts have been made to combat hunger in Oregon , it is still a big problem for the state . According to United States Department of Agriculture ( data , more than one in seven of Oregon households were food insecure between 2014 and Renters in Oregon had food insecurity rates as high as one in four between Poverty Rate by Oregon , 2018 ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AFRICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN I me 1091 . 1599 2095 25 Fig . 95 . Poverty rate by , Oregon , 2018 . The Oregon Center for Public Policy says that over people in Oregon suffer from food insecurity . 15 . Bauer , 2018 , May 17 ) Oregon Lags in Fighting Food Insecurity . Oregon Center for Public Policy . 16 . Edwards , 2018 , December ) Widespread declines , yet persistent inequalities Food insecurity in Oregon and the Oregon State University School of Public Policy .

FOOD 325 in 10 food insecure 17 To put that into perspective , the population of make too land , our largest city , is around people . Overall , much to qualify for minorities and single mothers are disproportionately food assistance . linked to socioeconomic status . While there are programs to help Families who are food insecure , there are still families who are Food insecure who impacted by food insecurity Food insecurity is strongly Figure . Share of food insecure do not qualify for any food assistance . with too much income to quality for SNAP assistance , 2016 . Food Insecurity at Community College In a recent survey conducted by the HOPE Center at Temple University , was one of 400 community colleges queried about food and housing insecurity over the past years . Community students participated in 2019 , the year of the study . The survey was sent to students and 558 students responded . A surprising 48 of students reported experiencing food insecurity within the last 30 days , slightly higher than the average of community college students . 17 . Bauer , 2018 , May 17 ) Oregon Lags in Fighting Food Insecurity . Oregon Center for Public Policy .

326 I FOOD Food Among Sunny It Community 13 Low Law ( 56 ) 60 I Soviet Non . Fig . 47 of student respondents at are food insecure . 66 of the students that participated in the survey reported experiencing either food insecurity , housing , or houselessness within the past Here is how students responded when asked whether they had experienced any of the following items in the last 30 days . 18 . Coca , Looker , Williams , 2020 , February ) Hope Center .

FOOD 327 I could afford to eat balanced meals . I worried whether my would run out before I got money to buy more . The food that I bought just did not last and I did not have the money to buy more . I cut the size of meals or skipped meals because there was not enough money for food . I ate less than I felt I should because there was not enough money for food . I was hungry but did not eat because there was not enough money for food . I out the size of meals or skipped meals because there was not enough money for food ( I weight because there was not enough money for food . I did not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food . I did not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food ( 020406030100 Percentage Endorsing Statement ( 96 ) Fig . Food insecurity among survey respondents at . Food stamps SNAP Many people in the United States rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) to provide food for their families . SNAP is a federal program that in some states is supplemented with local funds whose goal is to supplement nutrition and the food budget of families who are moving toward . According to the 2018 American Community Survey , of people in the United States use food stamps and the majority of those families have at least one person working , with of recipients having two family members Oregon has one of the highest usage rates in the country at a rate of fourteen percent . Here Vou can see a map of SNAP usage across the country . In 2019 , President Trump proposed dramatic cuts and restrictions to the food stamp program . The rule 19 . US Census Bureau . 2020 , July 21 ) Most families that received SNAP in 2018 had at least one person working .

328 i FOOD was by the administration in 2020 , but a federal judge blocked its implementation in March , 2020 , due to the epidemic . Between May , 2020 , the appealed this judgement . While the SNAP program is currently unchanged , if the proposed work restrictions go into effect , it is estimated that about people will lose Even without these changes , people on SNAP are having trouble meeting ends meet . Many people themselves stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of poverty , despite striving for . Listen here to a three minute summary of an interview with a woman in 2000 when she used food stamps and then viewed in 2012 . Fraud is often mentioned as a concern when it comes to food stamps , but when recipient and vendor fraud is totaled it is estimated at less than one percent of all funds disbursed . That means that more than 99 of the funds are used The maintains a webpage that reports on their efforts to stop fraud and to recoup delinquent funds . These authors advocate for the focus to shift toward solving the social problems of poverty and hunger , rather than letting the small amount of fraud distract the country from these efforts . People struggling to feed themselves and their families face other challenges as well . Accepting governmental assistance and charity is stigmatized . Some families feel too embarrassed to seek or accept needed resources . Constant stress related to food insecurity and choosing which bills to pay contributes to mental health . Do you or someone you know have experience with using SNAP ?

Click here to read Voices From Hunger In Oregon for short descriptions from who have used this program . What are families eating and why ?

Hearing the phrase you are what you eat might conjure a distinct image in a person mind . This phrase is often associated with encouraging a healthy diet to promote an individual overall . Yet , food is not only a form of sustenance , but it is also used to communicate culture as well as a way of forming social ties and communicating love . It is important to recognize the food has on family life , and therefore how it can impact families in various ways . In this chapter , we have focused on the ways that institutional forces and family social class shape access to food . Let spend a little time here on other factors that affect food choices this text will explore more aspects of food and family in the Routines , Traditions , and Culture chapter . Early food experiences The way our family approaches food when we are children affects us the rest of our lives . What we eat 20 . A . 2020 , May 13 ) The White House Pushes to Curb Food Stamps Amid Record Unemployment Retrieved August 19 , 2020 , from 21 . Constable , 2018 , April ) The facts about food stamp fraud . Forbes .

FOOD 329 , as do the social aspects of meals . Some families eat meals together others eat their meals individually in front of devices . People who were not exposed to a variety of foods as children , or who were forced to swallow every last bite of overcooked vegetables , may make limited food choices as adults . Children who do not have practice socializing during meals may not develop social skills or understand dining table social norms . Habits It can be easy to establish a habit around things we do each day . For example , having a dessert can become a habit . Having a snack after school or a drink with dinner can develop into a habit . Healthy habits such as an apple a day can be developed as well and may require intention on the part of the individual . Culture The culture in which one grows up affects how one sees food in daily life and on special occasions . Food and family recipes are important ways to transmit culture across families and from generation to generation . Traditions and celebrations often include food . Geography Where a person lives food choices . For instance , people who live in Midwestern US states have less access to fresh seafood than those living along the coasts . Advertising The media greatly influences food choice by persuading consumers to eat certain foods . Have you ever found yourself suddenly hungry after watching an advertisement for the local pizza place ?

The media affects both when we eat and what we eat . Social factors Any school lunchroom observer can testify to the impact of peer pressure on eating habits , and this lasts through adulthood . People make food choices based on how they see others and want others to see them . For example , individuals who are surrounded by others who consume fast food are more likely to do the same . Health concerns Some people have food allergies , to peanuts for example , and need to avoid those foods . Others may have developed health issues which require them to follow a low salt or diet . In addition , ple who have never worried about their weight have a very different approach to eating than those who have long struggled with excess weight . Emotions There is a wide range in how emotional issues affect eating habits . When faced with a great deal of stress , some people tend to overeat , while others it hard to eat at all . Green Sustainability choices Based on a growing understanding of diet as a public and personal issue , more and more people are starting to make food choices based on their environmental impact . Realizing that their food choices help shape the world , many individuals are opting for a vegetarian diet , or , if they do eat animal products , striving to the most or sustainable options possible . Purchasing local and organic food products and items grown through sustainable means also helps shrink the size of one dietary footprint .

330 FOOD Religion and Belief Systems People design their diets for various reasons , including religious doctrines , health concerns , and ecological and animal welfare concerns . For example , Jewish people may observe kosher eating practices and Muslim ple fast during the ninth month of the Islamic Knowledge Knowledge about healthful foods and calorie amounts affect food choices . This can be gained through ily , peer , or media . Cooking knowledge is impactful . For example , knowing how to hydrate dried beans or prepare fresh vegetables could increase consumption of healthier foods . There has been a dramatic increase in television cooking shows in the century , as well as nutrition , recipe , and cooking websites , blogs , and videos . The amount of information can make it hard to choose , but there are many options to learn about nutrition and cooking . Time One thing that contemporary families in the United States have less now than they did years ago is time . This is primarily due to the decreasing number of jobs with enough pay and to support a family and the need for more adults in the house to be working . With less time , such as fast food , processed food , and prepared food become more appealing . Having more time means that families have the to cook and prepare their own food if they choose . Children Several other chapters in this text ( and Routines , Traditions , and Culture ) will focus more closely on children . But they deserve a special mention when it comes to food , and especially to hunger . Children are heavily impacted by poverty and hunger in the United States . In 2017 , of all children in the United States lived in poverty Latino and Black children were more often in poverty than were White children . This contributes to diet . A high quality diet is a major contributing factor to children health and being and to their health outcomes as adults . Poor eating patterns in childhood are associated with obesity ing childhood and adolescence obese children are more likely to become obese adults . Obesity in children has been increasing dramatically since 1980 and is likely related to diet , physical activity , family environment and other factors . Obesity leads to increased risks for a wide variety of chronic diseases , including diabetes , stroke , 23 heart disease , arthritis , and some cancers . 22 . Constable , 2018 , April ) The facts about food stamp fraud . Forbes . 23 . Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics . 2019 ) America Children Key National Indicators Being ,

FOOD I 331 Fig . Children eating fresh fruit in a child care setting . Hunger and a poor diet can have other effects on children . Hungry children can not learn as efficiently as children . According to the American Psychological Association ( APA ) they are more likely to develop anxiety and depression along with other health problems . Brain development , learning , and tion processing can all be affected by lack of an adequate diet . Children experience stigma around being food insecure and accessing free and reduced meals , part of the federal response to poverty . For more information on this program , access the website here . Children may feel isolated and ashamed about being poor or about being food insecure , although many children share this experience in the United 24 . American Psychological Association . What are the psychological effects of hunger on children ?

Retrieved August 19 , 2020 , from 332 I FOOD Licenses and Open Content , Shared Previously The Poverty Line and Food Costs is adapted from and Chan by Anonymous . License . What are Families Eating and Why is adapted from Human Nutrition by Marie i , Alan , Allison Calabrese , Cheryl Gibby , William . License BY 40 . Figure . Photo by Keith . Public domain . Figure . kitchen remodel 1927 Mission Revival bungalow by License . Figure . Food Desert Challenge Day by Mark . License BY . Figure . A static caravan park on the cliffs above Beer Devon England . by Adrian stone . Public domain . Figure . receives fresh fruits veggies grant by North Charleston . License . Open Content , Original Figure 95 . Poverty rate by , Oregon , 2018 . Based on data from the American Community Family Foundation . License BY 40 . Figure . Share of food insecure with too much income to qualify for SNAP , 2016 . Based on data from the Oregon Center for Public Policy . License BY 40 . All Rights Reserved Content How Black Americans Were Robbed of Their Land ( The Atlantic License Terms Standard YouTube license . Figure . Food security among survey respondents at Community College in 2019 Survey Community College by he Center . Used with mission . Figure . Food insecurity among survey respondents at Community College in 2019 Survey Community College by he Center . Used with mission .

WATER I 333 WATER Elizabeth Pearce and Alexis Safe Water and Sanitation For about 100 years , water in the United States has been supported by a federally funded infrastructure that ensures families safe drinking water and sanitation . diseases , such as cholera , were eliminated by the provision of this system . Although the effort to create safe water and sanitation was well funded up until the end of the century , there are some geographic areas and groups that are underserved systems were not funded equitably before funding dried up . Safe water and sanitation can be by these three things ' Access to safe and reliable drinking water ' A shower , toilet , and tap in the home ' A reliable system for treating and disposing of wastewater Fig . Water bottle filling stations Socioeconomic status is a barrier to safe water access . Challenges in cut down on costs related to poor communities include contaminated water supplies , housing with disposable bottles water , other substandard plumbing issues , and unequal distribution of public drinking water such as water fountains in schools and other public places . As individuals more regularly carry their water with them , access to a bottle station can mean the between a purchase or the ongoing expense of hundreds of plastic water bottles . Look around your own daily environments where can you find these stations ?

Could there be more bottle added and more equitably distributed ?

Almost one third of adults in America are inadequately hydrated . Race is the biggest predictor to lack of water access African American and people are more likely to experience lack of adequate hydration as are lower income This graphic from the University of North Carolina describes six access challenges . Brooks , Long , 2017 ) and socioeconomic

334 I WATER Diverse Access Challenges A form he one or more access . and Wells Fig . It is to realize the number of water access challenges families face in the United States . There is no centralized government or research entity that collects national data about water and sanitation in the United States , which creates challenges to assessing and meeting needs . In November , 2019 , the US Water Alliance and Dig Deep , two organizations dedicated to improving water access for families in the United States , released a comprehensive report analyzing all available data from local , regional and national sources . More disparities in hydration status among us adults and the role of tap water and other beverage intake . American Journal of Public Health , 107 (

i 335 than two million Americans lack access to safe water . Closing the Water Access Gap in the United States A National Action Plan has key Federal data doesn accurately measure the water access gap Race is the strongest predictor of water and sanitation access Poverty is a key obstacle to water access Water access challenges affect entire communities . Progress is uneven , and some communities are backsliding . Along with race and poverty as indicators , the report residents Rico , houseless people , and members of American Indian communities as having a greater likelihood of lack of access to water and . Case Study Flint , Michigan Let look more closely at a community that has experienced a safe water crisis between 2014 and 2020 . For some context , Flint was a booming city with an economy centered around the automotive industry through the late century . In Fact , this is where vehicle manufacturer General Motors was founded . Although its industrial prime is past , Flint is still home to roughly Americans . According to the United States sus population estimates , of Flint residents are African American and of its population lives in The median household income in Flint is about , a year . US Water Alliance . Dig Deep . 2019 , November ) Closing the water access gap in the United States . ing . Census Bureau . 2020 ) Flint City , Michigan table . Retrieved February 17 , 2020 from

336 ) 2015 Flint Michigan Household Income Distribution 75 Indian 15 10000 ?

150 000 999 24 999 34199 199 999 Percent VI . xi ' I , Fig . Flint , Michigan has many families who are poor . Saving Money City officials in Flint decided to change its water source in 2014 . The city used to get its water from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department . This water was treated and sourced from Lake Huron and the Detroit River . While this worked , the city was strapped for cash and in 2011 , Flint had a The city declared a state of emergency and was looking for ways to save money . City leaders decided to source water from the Flint River as a cheap and temporary alternative while a pipeline from the Huron River was built . Unfortunately , shortcuts were taken and the water was not treated properly for human consumption , which caused spikes of lead in the water . Immediately after the water source was switched , people noticed that the tap water in Flint was different . The color ranged from yellow to brown , it smelled weird , and it tasted terrible . Effects on Families Dangerous amounts of lead were found in Flint drinking water . In one home , Virginia Tech researchers . City . 2012 , April 15 ) Quarterly report to the state Treasurer regarding the condition of the City of Flint . surer 2015 ,

WATER 337 found that the lead levels in the water were between 200 parts per billion ( to Lead amounts above are by the to be hazardous waste . Children are the most susceptible to the effects of lead . It can lead to many health issues such as anemia , slowed growth , and learning problems . Lead can put pregnant women at risk for miscarriage , as well as causing organ issues in adults . High levels of lead can cause An outbreak of Legionnaires disease is also thought to be caused by the water ing to the , Legionnaires ( disease is a very serious type of pneumonia ( lung infection ) caused by bacteria called At least twelve people have died as a result , and numerous criminal and civil lawsuits have been against officials . After 18 months of negotiations , a 600 million settlement to be paid by the state of Michigan was agreed to in August , 2020 . More than 80 of that money would go to people who were minors and most affected by the toxins in the water . As of the publication of this text , plaintiffs still had time to decide whether or not to agree to the settlement . To read more about how to lead in your home environment and the effects of lead on children , click for the . Environmental Justice According to the , Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race , color , national origin , or income , with respect to the development , implementation , and enforcement of environmental laws , regulations , and People of color and low income families are disproportionately being affected by the water crisis in Flint , a classic case of environmental injustice . These families can easily move or fund a new source of water . The also emphasizes the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards along with its of environmental justice . It is clear that the people of Flint are not receiving the same degree of protection . Watch this minute video to further understand the and history of environmental justice . A . Roy , 2015 , August 24 ) Hazardous found in a Flint household water . Environmental Protection Agency . 2019 , August 12 ) Learn about lead . 2016 , 13 ) cases , 10 fatal , bacteria found in Flint area connection to water crisis unclear . Environmental Protection Agency . 2020 , February 17 ) Environmental justice . tice

338 WATER One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text . You can View them online here ?

Institutional Forces While on the surface it may seem like the crisis in Flint was caused by a singular error ( switching the water source ) the underlying responsibility is with multiple government policies that are institutionalized . These are the results of over a hundred years of policy that eventually culminated into a health crisis . The mote you expect In the more our mark at excellence means In 1968 . ram ' in this . rune Fig . General Motors was a highly in the late century . Earlier we described Flint as a city of industry , home to a rich automotive economy . The Deindustrialization ( The decline of the manufacturing industry ) of the United States was hard for everyone who relied on these companies to provide for their families . The decline was reinforced in the as the manufacturing industry

339 hit a recession . Flint population shrunk from around to just residents ?

Many people who had the means relocated to a different area in search of better opportunities . But then there are those who are more or less forced to stay , as relocating can be a risk , as well as being . As the overall population of Flint declined , the African American population percentage of Michigan has steadily increased . According to Census data , in 1960 the total percentage of African Americans in Michigan was roughly . As occurs , and people relocate , it jumps to 14 in Those who remained in Flint were White Americans and African Americans of low income . These two groups are by far the most impacted by the effects of deindustrialization , although this isn isolated to Flint . State of Michigan Department of Technology , Management , and Budget . 2016 , April ) Demographic and labor market City of Flint . 10 . 2002 , February ) African Americans in the United States , Michigan and Metropolitan Detroit . Wayne State University . Center for Urban Studies .

340 WATER Fig . Flint is a community with diverse and ing families .

WATER I 341 Could this Happen in Oregon ?

The decline of deindustrialization can be felt in Oregon as well . Oregon timber industry faced a massive decline after the 19805 Environmental regulations have affected job availability . We can see many parallels between this situation and other communities who have faced job and company losses . Many towns that were dependent on the income from the timber industry are now left struggling . Douglas county recently voted to shut down their entire library Jackson County and Josephine Fig . When cities and counties are underfunded , they must choose between County have also had to shut down their libraries , programs that serve all families such as water , parks , schools , and libraries . although eventually they managed to bring back partial Many timber towns depended on a federal gram that gave every year to Oregon counties , Since the program has been discontinued , many counties are having to make sacrifices to keep from going Another parallel we can see between the deindustrialization of Michigan and Oregon is people leaving small towns for urban centers , with those remaining mostly being of low income . Lawmakers in these communities face similar choices as the leaders in Flint , Michigan . When there are fewer taxpayers to fund local services and less federal funding for services that all families can use , programs such as libraries , schools , parks , and even water must be examined as places to save money . Looking Ahead One purpose of analyzing Flint , Michigan as a case study is to give a voice to those impacted by this and similar hardships . To see additional perspective and proposed solutions to these social problems , watch the TED Talk below . Ruby was hired to document the unfolding crisis in Flint and relates her history growing 11 . 2019 , January 10 ) Charting the decline of Oregon timber industry . Oregon Live . 12 . 2019 , January ) Douglas County libraries to close after voters reject funding . 13 . 2017 , April ) When libraries close , timber counties face tough 14 . 2014 , December 10 ) Federal payments to timber counties die in congressional maneuvering . gon Live .

342 WATER up with environmental racism in Philadelphia to the crisis . She details the experiences of the dents as well as a creative solution that helps . One or more interactive elements has been excluded from this version of the text . You can View them online here ?

The US Water Alliance described at the start of this section has provided the most comprehensive view of water access in the United States and is dedicated to valuing and managing this resource . Via listening sessions and collaborations with businesses , governments , organizations and individuals all over the try , they have developed a platform of seven big ideas to sustain water resources Advance regional collaboration on water management Accelerate partnerships to improve water quality Sustain adequate funding for water infrastructure Blend public and private expertise and investment to address water infrastructure needs for the century Reduce lead risks , and embrace the mission of protecting public health . Accelerate technology adoption to build efficiency and improve water service . Ideas and organizations such as this one provide leadership so that all families in the United States will have access to safe water and sanitation . Fig . Farm Water Tower Fig . Outdoor public water Fig . Indoor Shower fountain Licenses and Open Content , Shared Previously A Brief History of Environmental by . License Terms BY 40 .

WATER 343 ure . Water Bottle Fountain Mountain 2015 by ray explores . License BY ! Qin . Distribution of household income in Flint Michigan in 2015 by . Data from US Census in 2015 inflation adjusted dollars . ure . 1968 General Motors Buick Pontiac Caprice Olds 98 Fleetwood Readers Digest November 1967 by . License BY 20 . ure . in Flint Michigan Photo by Michigan Municipal League by Michigan League ( License ure . Library ' by South Broadway Cultural Center . License BY ure . Farm Water Tower by Vincent Parsons . License . in ' in ure . water fountains by . License . in ure . Indoor Shower by is licensed under . All Rights Reserved Content A creative solution for the water crisis in Flint Michigan Ruby ( License Standard Youtube license . Figure . An Overview of Clean Water Access Challenges in the United States ( University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center . Used under fair use .