"COVID-19, Food Insecurity and Health Disparities: Systems Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications"
Abstract
This seminar will focus on the connections between food insecurity, poverty, and health, how COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities, systems and policy during COVID-19, and the role of federal nutrition programs in an equitable recovery. Historic and current inequities in the U.S. fuel an unacceptable cycle of poverty, hunger and poor health. This will continue unless a wide range of policies are enacted that prioritize equitable outcomes. Join us for a discussion looking at the questions: What can we learn from the significant food systems and policy improvements enacted during COVID-19? and How can we leverage the success to create permanent change?
Speaker Bio
Geraldine Henchy is the Director of Nutrition Policy at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). FRAC is a research, policy, public education, and advocacy center working for more effective public and private policies to eradicate domestic hunger and improve the nutrition and health of low-income individuals and families. Ms. Henchy directs FRAC’s nutrition policy work. Ms. Henchy is the co-author of the recently released FRAC report, Hunger, Poverty, and Health Disparities During COVID-19 and the Federal Nutrition Programs’ Role in an Equitable Recovery, which examines the linkages between hunger, poverty, health, and equity during the pandemic. She is also the author of “Making WIC Work Better: Strategies to Reach More Women and Children and Strengthen Benefits Use” and other publications. Ms. Henchy was a member of the Institute of Medicine’s Committee to Review the Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Requirements. She is the current chair of the policy committee of the American Public Health Association’s Food and Nutrition Section and is a member of USDA’s Paperwork Reduction Work Group. Ms. Henchy communicates the importance of supporting food nutrition and food security and the challenges faced by under-resourced communities to the media. Most recently, she appeared in a CNBC food prices impact piece that has been viewed by 500,000 people. She has been honored to receive recognition for her work from the National Professionals Association, National Sponsors Forum, California Roundtable and the National Association of Family Child Care. In addition, the American Public Health Association’s Food and Nutrition Section honored Ms. Henchy with the Sarah Samuels award recognizing outstanding contributions in public health nutrition.