Last month, Dr. Sharah Zaab launched a powerful series exploring the intersection of food systems, climate change, and the Black community. As this issue of The Black Lens centers collective wellness, it’s impossible to ignore the critical role of nutrition, food access, and sustainability in our health outcomes. Food is not just fuel–it’s one of the most significant factors shaping our overall well-being.
In this second installment, Dr. Zaab continues the conversation, examining how equitable food systems can serve as a pathway to community resilience and climate justice. Dive in.
The link between food and climate is not just an environmental issue–it is also a racial and social justice issue. Addressing climate change means rethinking food systems in ways that empower African American communities to:
- Reclaim food sovereignty
- Fight food waste
- Build sustainable alternatives to industrial agriculture
By supporting Black farmers, expanding urban agriculture, investing in food recovery programs, and advocating for climate justice policies, individuals and communities can take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and sustainable food future.
Solutions: Building Sustainable, Community-Driven Food Systems
1. Expanding Black-Led Urban Agriculture and Community Farms
Urban agriculture has become a powerful tool for increasing food access and environmental sustainability. By transforming vacant lots, abandoned properties, and underutilized spaces into food-producing hubs, communities can reduce reliance on industrial food systems while strengthening local economies.
Examples of Successful Black-Led Urban Farms
D-Town Farm (Detroit, MI) – Operated by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network
Fresh Future Farm (North Charleston, SC) – A Black-owned urban farm and grocery store in a former food desert
Soil Generation (Philadelphia, PA) – A Black- and Brown-led coalition promoting land access and food justice
How Individuals and Families Can Contribute:
- Start a backyard or community garden
- Support Black-owned urban farms by volunteering or purchasing from them
- Advocate for policies that repurpose vacant land for food production
2. Strengthening Black Food Cooperatives and Community-Owned Grocery Stores
Food cooperatives empower communities by giving them direct control over food distribution. Unlike traditional grocery stores, co-ops operate on collective ownership models, keeping profits within the community.
Examples of Black-Led Food Cooperatives:
The Renaissance Community Co-op (Greensboro, NC) – A community-owned grocery store
Mandela Grocery Cooperative (Oakland, CA) – A Black worker-owned grocery sourcing local, organic food
Action Steps for Families and Communities:
- Join or support a Black food cooperative
- Start a buying club to purchase fresh food in bulk
- Work with local leaders to develop community-owned grocery initiatives
3. Restoring Black Land Ownership and Supporting Black Farmers
Reclaiming Black farmland is critical for both food sovereignty and climate resilience. Historically, Black farmers have practiced sustainable agriculture methods that reduce environmental harm.
Ways to Support Black Farmers and Increase Land Access:
- Support Black-Owned Farms – Purchase through CSA programs
- Advocate for Land Grants – Promote policies that allocate land to Black farmers
- Utilize Legal Support – Programs like the Heirs’ Property Retention Program assist with land retention
Notable Organizations:
- National Black Food & Justice Alliance (NBFJA)
- Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network (SAAFON)
4. Reducing Food Waste and Expanding Food Recovery Programs
Food waste is a major contributor to climate change, yet many Black communities lack access to food recovery infrastructure.
Solutions for Reducing Food Waste:
- Expand Food Rescue Networks – Encourage donations of unsold food
- Increase Composting Programs – Invest in composting sites in Black neighborhoods
- Establish Redistribution Hubs – Use churches, schools, and community centers to distribute food
Notable Black-Led Initiatives:
- The Black Church Food Security Network – Connects farmers and churches
- The Love Fridge (Chicago, IL) – Community fridges that redistribute surplus food