Is a lack of healthy food options leading some to veganism?
Every year, the first week in April is recognized as National Public Health Week (NPHW). It is a time to “recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation” according to the American Public Health Association.
Specifically, when I think of public health and issues that are important within the nation, I think of food disparities in underserved and impoverished communities.
A food disparity, or to be food insecure, is being without reliable access to affordable and nutritious food due to lack of resources or income. Many times, those who experience this reality are from households that are low income or unemployed. Their ability to eat oftentimes is dependent on either paying a bill or purchasing food.
Once the decision has been made to eat or not, people in low income areas then have to decide what to eat. But when living in geographic areas where access to healthy food is limited or non-existent (better known as food deserts), the options are not vast.
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information or NCBI, “Low-income and minority communities, compared to middle/high-income and predominantly white communities, tend to have more convenience stores, which sell predominately highly processed, energy-dense foods with little fresh produce.”
A convenience store by definition, is a store in a convenient location with extended hours of operation that has a limited supply of household goods and groceries. However, highly processed foods including frozen pizzas, and snacks such as ice cream and pre packaged donuts are more likely to be found in those convenience stores.
Not having access to healthy food is a structural issue, as the Chicago Food Bank says poverty and food insecurity are linked. Because of the disparity of a healthy nutrient-rich food supply in impoverished communities, in comparison to those in white areas, many have to turn to food depositories to have that need met. Specifically, in Chicago’s Cook County, one in six residents visit one.
2020 map of poverty and food insecurity in Cook County, Chicago.
The data above explains and demonstrates how many residents are food insecure, and how that is directly associated with income. Without local food depositories or the ability to drive to a store that sells produce, the one in six residents who visit a depository, possibly would have limited choices for healthy food. Consequently, the North Lawndale area, a community on the West Side that struggles with food accessibility ,is projected to open an Urban Market in a couple of years to combat this problem.
Food choices can affect your health
There are many negative outcomes to eating unhealthy. The long term effects of eating highly processed foods can resort to high cholesterol; and not incorporating fresh produce into one’s diet, can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease if not monitored.
In America, one in four people die from heart disease and nearly half of the population has it in some form. Improving the health of our nation, and specifically those in Black and Brown communities in urban environments are critical for long term quality of life. Although we may not be able to change the systematic aspect of food desserts, one option may be to turn away from processed and fast foods, and incorporate vegetable based foods instead.
Katie Giudice, a clinical dietician from Rush Copley Medical Center says, “Eating a variety of colors from the rainbow is important to any healthy eating plan.” The colors of vegetables and fruits help to ensure consumers are getting their dose of vitamins and it helps fight off diseases, boost the immune system and memory, as well as aid in healthy healing.
Finding solutions that aid in attaining healthy diets
Visiting local farmers markets, a physical marketplace where food is sold directly from farmers to consumers, to purchase fresh produce can be a way to start incorporating healthy foods into one’s diet. There are many locations on both the South and West sides of the city that are permanent fixtures in the community. Other farmers markets that pop up for certain dates and time blocks during the year are also a good place to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies.
A quick Google search of “farmers market near me” showed me there are at least three markets that are in my community, and one in particular that is a four minute drive, or 12 minute walk. On a nice day, walking would be a great way to get in cardio, on my way to getting some healthy food.
When looking for farmers markets in my area, a quick google search provided me with the address and hours of operation of the nearest markets. I saw they were even highly rated, with four or more stars out of five.
Taking advantage of the farmers markets nearby are a great alternative to traveling out to a grocery store. By shopping there, it allows consumers to support local farmers and their community because it keeps the money spent in the neighborhood. Some farmers markets also cater to low income residents, as they accept cash and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards.
In addition to shopping for groceries, on days where someone may want something quick to eat, stopping by a fast food restaurant is typical. And if you live on the West Side, you now have a healthy vegan option to indulge in.
The Black Vegan, located in Little Village, is a restaurant that aligns with this mission. The local Black owned restaurant makes soul food with a twist, as all of their food is vegan. Meaning, a consumer can eat what they’d typically love such as shrimp, wings and gyros and still be making a conscious effort to eat healthy because those products are actually made with vegetables or plants instead of meat.
Sparkle Rucker, owner of The Black Vegan, standing outside of the vegan restaurant located in LIttle Village at 2300 S. Kedzie. Photo was sent to reporter upon request.
The Black Vegan incorporates cultural staples by serving vegan substitutes that are made from tofu, mushrooms (portabella) and plant herbs (konjac).
“Our theme is to cater to the transitioning or curious vegans by mimicking the foods they love,” Sparkle Rucker, the owner of The Black Vegan said. “By doing this, it will help them get closer to eating raw veggies and any vegetables on a daily. For a long time there hasn't been such a bridge between the vegan and non vegan community and we want to be a part of that.”
A vegan is someone who doesn't eat animal products, but instead eats vegetable and plant based food including fruit, grains and nuts. When making vegan (soul) food, the goal is to make it look and taste like the real thing, without it actually being the real thing. And with veganism being on the rise, the food must be a good alternative.
Rucker believes there is a need for veganism in our communities because of the food choices we grow up on. “From experience, we eat what we do mostly from habit,” she explained. “Because there weren't many places making veganism appealing to the Black community. Even now, family and friends will make fun of my choices until they try the food or learn about a celebrity like Beyonce who made similar choices.”
The West Side restaurateur made her place appealing by selling things others do not. “We have portabella wings and konjac based shrimp,” she said. “Many places have the same type of vegan shrimp or the tofu wings but we shy from that. We also have bbq ribs which are always a hit.”
Adjusting to eating vegetables might be a feat for those who are not accustomed to it because of the various textures and flavors of them. But this shouldn't discourage you.
“As someone who despised eating vegetables as a child and even an adult, I came to the conclusion that perhaps I didn’t soley dislike vegetables, I disliked the way that it was presented to me,” Rucker said. “It’s important that we have to remember that this is a transition that must be made in baby steps and consideration.”
Our health journeys are ongoing, and a lifetime commitment. What you put in your body today, definitely will affect it in the long run. Taking one step at a time is a start.
“I always encourage people to start by dedicating a day or weekend to veganism,” she said. “That way it’s something to get excited about and easier to transition towards as it can be intimidating sometimes.”
Putting the food to the test
Recently, I decided to dedicate myself to veganism for a day. Although the Black Vegan is currently closed for dining inside the building until the end of the month due to renovations, I was able to stop by to pick up a meal as a dine out option using Ubereats. (A special thanks to Sparkle for opening the kitchen for a day so I can try her food!)
My order of a “shrimp” burger (made of konjac root, special seasoning and homemade cheese sauce) and fries with spinach bits, mild sauce, homemade cheese sauce and gluten free barbeque sauce.
Being a non-vegan, and never had tried vegan labeled foods before, I was looking forward to what vegan food tastes like. I was even more intrigued that the food was similar to foods I would typically eat, like fries with mild sauce and a fish sandwich, or a shrimp po boy.
The food from The Black Vegan did not disappoint. The shrimp burger was buttery and truly reminded me of a po boy, a traditional shrimp sub that originated in New Orleans and is often served down south. It was flavorful, well seasoned and had a touch of tanginess. The major difference from The Black Vegan’s sandwich and a traditional po boy is the meat. Since it is vegan, The Black Vegan’s shrimp burger did not have shrimp meat, but konjac roots stuffed inside fried batter.
After I bit into the shrimp burger, I noticed the texture of the roots from the konjac immediately. Although initially alarming, overall, it was a great experience and I would purchase again.
The fries had a yummy BBQ sauce on it. It reminded me of one the best barbeque sauces I’ve tried--the sauce from Kentucky Fried Chicken's BBQ wings. It was sweet, but had a spicy kick to it as well.
Conclusion
I’m grateful my first experience eating vegan food was from a Black owned establishment. This experience made me realize that eating healthy doesn't have to look like a specific prototype, nor does it have to shy away from the flavors I grew up on.
Although I know accessibility is a real issue when it comes to eating healthy, searching your community for local dining experiences can be a step in the right direction to tackle the issue at hand. And for anyone looking to be more cognizant of their eating habits, and maybe want to substitute unhealthy foods for soul food flavored veggies, The Black Vegan may be a place to look into.