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Roselle Borough, like many areas across New Jersey, is classified as a food desert according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
But what does that really mean?
A food desert is a community with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. Imagine living in a neighborhood where convenience stores and fast-food chains outnumber grocery stores – where families are forced to choose between what’s accessible and what’s healthy.
So, what are we to do?
For years, I’ve urged churches and community groups that serve a large number of poor to start food programs (e.g. gardening, food prep, etc). This year, I decided that Boxwood must step up to show young people how to prep food as part of our health solution – and even how to grow food indoors to sustain themselves and their families.
“ I always skipped breakfast because there wasn't enough to eat at home. Now, I know that I need to take better care of my body from attending the workshop on nutrition.”
– Youth participant
Did you know that only about 36% of Americans cook at home daily (according to a 2023 Deloitte study)? Over time, we’ve outsourced one of the most critical factors of our health: what we eat.
It’s time to turn to each other to truly rise and survive through these times. We need to teach, share, and grow together. Our health, our futures, and our communities depend on it.
Lets thrive together,
Marie Thelusma-Chase
CEO, Boxwood Learning Center, Inc.
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