To read this article in Spanish, click here.
Written and transcribed by Daphne Hines in collaboration with Dr. Niesha Douglas in celebration of Women’s History Month (March 2024).
Women have played pivotal roles in shaping agriculture and food systems, contributing significantly to the sustenance and growth of our communities. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women like Dr. Niesha Douglas, Community Based Researcher and Co-Author of “Everybody Eats: Communication and the Paths to Food Justice.” This month, we take a look at Niesha’s commitment to equitable food systems, her research, and passion for resourcing the needs of our communities around points of access.
How did you begin your work around the food system? What inspired you to start?
As a graduate student, I moved back to my hometown community of Greensboro. My grandmother raised me and was active in the community. But, around the time I moved back to Greensboro, she wasn’t able to attend community meetings anymore. As a grad student and parent, I didn’t think I would be able to step in to take on her role, but other community members encouraged me to do so, recognizing my potential to be a voice that could speak to their needs.
When I finally attended a meeting, the discussion centered on creating a farmers market in our community. As I sat in on that meeting, I listened and I found that some of the individuals that wanted this market weren’t part of my community; and those that were, weren’t being heard – so, I just started talking. I brought up important questions to make sure that this farmers market would be more helpful than harmful to the community.
In the past, we’ve had people come into the community to help, but leave when outcomes don’t suit their needs. Personally, I was determined to prevent the type of extractive dynamic that would ultimately leave my community with the same issues we sought to resolve.
Growing up, I never thought of my community as being poor because the people in my area were so rich in history, with many teachers, lawyers, engineers, and others working high level jobs in companies or factories. Witnessing the challenges and disparities within my community, I decided to start my career in food systems work. I continued to go to more city and county meetings, becoming the designated representative for my community.
What would you describe as an essential element for an equitable and just food future?
An equitable food future hinges on community awareness and empowerment to ignite change. The core of the community is the people that live there. Some members can give time, others can give money – when we combine our resources together – change is always possible.
I have personally witnessed the transformative power of community collaboration, as I attended Mount Moriah Church & Outreach Center. With only about 75 members at the time, they started a food bank. Members pooled money toward the food bank every month and it grew bigger and bigger; eventually they received grant funding and additional donations.
Overall, a shared understanding of collective agency is essential for cultivating sustainable and equitable food systems.
What questions does your work and research respond to?
My research responds to questions around: “How can we create an environment where people have access?” Whether it’s access to food, daycare, or social services; how can we create a system where the path to access is easier? How can we help this community thrive? What are some necessary steps we need to take to help build this community and who do we need to talk to?” I look at the entire system because it’s more than just helping with food security.
It’s so essential to understand why communities or specific demographic groups are experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity is a symptom, whereas poverty is the problem. I look at how the whole system is operating to find ways for access to better conditions. I do my best to help in ways where my expertise or my influence can help people from my community find livable wage jobs or try to mitigate other hardships, using food as a catalyst for change.
Why do you think initiatives like the Committee on Racial Equity in the Food System (CORE) are important?
As an initiative centered within addressing equity, CORE is essential and needed. When people feel seen or appreciated within their work, regardless of their race, class, or gender and are treated in an equitable manner – you get the best out of them and that’s what CORE does. CORE reminds us that everybody comes from different walks of life/cultures and understanding more about each other can help us all grow and develop. CORE is also a reminder that I’m a person just like you; that we need to consider our actions and how they affect each other, or our bodies. Thanks to the work we do at CORE our responses are more informed and less reactive, and we are encouraged to take responsibility for our reactions based on knowledge.
Dr. Niesha Douglas is currently working on Community-Based Research projects that include: Visioning our Food Future in which they are completing a food assessment plan for Bladen, Columbus, and Robeson counties in Southeastern NC and CORE Art as Method Research Project.