TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Food insecurity and poverty have existed in Alabama’s Black Belt for years.
Now many of the people living there are taking a closer look at why that’s been the case and how they might improve things.
Many of the people most affected by those problems are working together.
They have met before in Montgomery, but this week is the first time they’ve organized a conference in Tuscaloosa.
The Black Belt Community Foundation hosted the “Seeds of Change” Conference at the University of Alabama to try and address several issues including the impact of structural racism and community well-being.
They want to look at how that affects those living in rural communities and how does it relate to obesity.
Farming, along with health and wellness advocates, joined community groups spread throughout Alabama’s Black Belt at the conference.
“Knowing that resources are out there. But not everyone is familiar and doesn’t know how to access those resources,” said joy Bradley with the University of Alabama. “I think this is the perfect opportunity to get like minds together and those that are interested in doing the work but just don’t know how to make it happen.”
Attendees learned about funding opportunities from agencies supporting the conference.
They also talked with community partners around the Black Belt working on projects like community gardens and food pantries.
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