Planting Care: Seeding Health and Hope for Farmers and Communities

Food systems significantly affect public health, connected to challenges such as hunger, chronic illnesses, pollution, and more.This master's portfolio features three articles that explore public health issues-dementia, global warming, and suicide-in the context of food and agriculture."Can Cooking in Community Slow Dementia and Diabetes?"(~2000 words; published July 2024) highlights a UC Davis study on dementia that takes the form of an online cooking class for Black and Latinx elders."Southern Black Farmers Sow Rice and Reconciliation" (~3000 words; published December 2024) centers on Jubilee Justice, a nonprofit organization helping small-holder Black farmers in the American South grow specialty rice using eco-friendly farming practices developed on Madagascar."For Farmers, Fitness Programs Can Improve Mental Health, Too" (~3000 words; published February 2025) looks at the rise of online fitness programs for agricultural workers who are at high risk of occupational injury, which can increase the chances of suicide ideation.Published by Civil Eats, an online news outlet devoted to American food systems, these stories shine a light on social, economic, and environmental inequalities while celebrating grassroots efforts that may pave the way for healthier and more sustainable futures.JULY 1, 2024 Can Cooking in Community Slow Dementia and Diabetes?New cooking classes for older people of color could delay the onset of diet-related diseases-and provide a host of other benefits, too.Irma Hernandez and cooking class participant Mary Carriere at the East Oakland Sports Center.(Image courtesy of The Good Life)