Reimagining Food Equity: A Multilevel Health Framework.

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Public Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Food equity (FE) is a critical social determinant of health, essential for achieving health equity.
• FE expands food security by emphasizing community collaboration in producing and distributing affordable, culturally appropriate, and sustainable food.
• Both health equity and environmental sustainability align with the Grand Challenges for Social Work.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the application of the social work health impact model to promote food equity.
• To identify current food system issues contributing to food insecurity and health inequities.
• To explore interventions and reimagine social work roles in addressing FE.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current food system issues and interventions.
• Application of the social work health impact model framework.
• Analysis of implications for social work education and practice.

Main Results:

• Identified key issues in the food system driving food insecurity and health disparities.
• Presented selected interventions promoting food equity across various contexts.
• Highlighted the need for reimagined social worker roles and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Social workers can leverage health impact models to advance food equity.
• Reimagining social work education and practice is crucial for improving food systems and access.
• Addressing FE requires consideration of environmental and health consequences in a changing food landscape.