The Food Trust
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For many communities, finding healthy food is a challenge, and diet-related diseases are prevalent. And because these same communities are often marginalized in other ways, we must address the social determinants of health in an intersectional way, and work with - and on behalf of - these communities to achieve health equity.
That's why The Food Trust partners with farmers and retailers to improve food access in neighborhoods, and works in schools and communities to educate people on how to eat healthy on a budget.
That's why we support policy issues related to reducing sugar and sodium consumption and stand beside our youth as they advocate for better water access in schools.
That's why we have organized with others to fight for a farm bill that works for the people in our region, addresses past wrongs, and is better for the sustainability of our planet.
By working together, we can all improve the health and well-being of communities across Philadelphia and beyond.The Food Trust
At The Food Trust, we believe access to healthy, affordable food is a basic human right. Yet for millions of Americans, finding fresh, healthy food in their neighborhoods is difficult, expensive, or both. That's why we're working in Philadelphia and beyond to improve access to healthy food and provide nutrition education in the neighborhoods that need it most. Through our programs and policy initiatives, we're ensuring that all communities are places that support the health and well-being of residents. Everyone deserves a seat at the table, and your vote helps make that possible.
The Food Trust's mission is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions. To accomplish this, we work with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers in Philadelphia and beyond. Together, we're building healthy communities by increasing the selection and marketing of nutritious food in underserved communities, while teaching children and families how to shop for, prepare, and enjoy affordable, nutritious options.
Our comprehensive approach to healthy food access and education includes:
- Teaching the importance of good nutrition and physical activity to people of all ages-from preschoolers to seniors-at schools, community centers, farmers markets, corner stores, food pantries, senior centers, and other sites
- Operating a network of 22 farmers markets in Philadelphia that accept SNAP benefits (food stamps) and Philly Food Bucks, a program that provides free fruits and vegetables to SNAP customers
- Working with corner store owners to stock and market healthy products, like fresh produce and whole grains
- Working with partners here in Philadelphia and across the country to encourage the development of supermarkets and other fresh food outlets in neighborhoods without access to healthy food
- Advocating for the policies-locally and nationally-that help us all live healthier, happier lives
The Food Trust was founded in 1992 with a simple idea: healthy change.
There were neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia where residents couldn't easily buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. And science shows us that people who live in these underserved neighborhoods are more at risk for serious diet-related diseases like obesity.
The Food Trust-then known as The Farmers' Market Trust, an off-shoot of Philadelphia's venerable Reading Terminal Market-began with one farmers market at Tasker Homes, a public housing development in South Philadelphia. Once a week, with the help of the Tasker Homes Tenant Council, we set up one long table overflowing with produce. It was the only source of fresh fruits and vegetables in the community. "People hadn't seen that kind of quality produce in their neighborhood before," The Food Trust founder Duane Perry recalls.
Now, more than two decades later, The Food Trust's more than 100 staffers work in Philadelphia and across the country to change how we all think about healthy food and increase its availability. We've brought supermarkets to communities that have gone decades without one. We've helped corner store owners introduce fresh produce, low-fat dairy and whole grains. We've taken soda and junk food out of schools, and we've taught students to appreciate foods like apples and cherry tomatoes. Now more than ever, food is what unites us. By working together, we can build healthier, more vibrant communities where everyone has a seat at the table.
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