The Debate Desk: Why Black Food Matters?

Exploring Food Freedom and Food Apartheid in Black Communities

By Mariam Diallo

Black Food Matters. When I say Black Food Matters, I am not referring to soul food dishes or foods attributed to Black culture. I am referring to limited access to produce in Black communities, also known as Food Apartheid. Food Apartheid is a term coined by Food Justice Advocate Karen Washington that describes the racialized system of inequalities that foster inadequate access to healthy and affordable food in low-income and marginalized communities, specifically in African American communities.

Apartheid refers to the systems of racial and institutional segregation in South Africa that lasted from 1948 to 1990. By using the term food apartheid, it encourages us to examine the entire food system and understand the historical context of the racially biased system that influences our food consumption. It prompts us to address the root causes of food insecurity and the intersectional causes that created inadequate food systems.

To fully understand food apartheid, we must examine how we got here, and that is through redlining. Redlining is an illegal, discriminatory practice that originated in the 1930s when government agencies such as the Federal Housing Administration would assess neighborhoods based on their racial makeup. Neighborhoods that were predominantly Black or minority residents were marked as “declining,” leading to the denial of financial products that are crucial for economic stability, such as loans and mortgages. By doing this, it contributed to the segregation of communities and led to a lack of investment in these communities, socioeconomic disparities, and continued inequities in these neighborhoods. Although redlining is now considered illegal under the Fair Housing Act, its effects are still felt in many communities, such as lack of access to affordable food.

By acknowledging the historical context of redlining and its lasting impact on Black communities, we can take meaningful steps toward creating equitable food systems. This involves advocating for policies that promote access to nutritious and affordable food, investing in community resources, and supporting local initiatives that empower marginalized neighborhoods.

Food justice is not just about what’s on our plates; it is about the rights of individuals to have sustainable access to healthy food. By prioritizing these issues, we can help dismantle the structures of inequality that have long plagued our food systems and work towards a future where all communities have the means to thrive. Black Food Matters, not just in terms of cultural identity, but as a crucial aspect of social justice that deserves our unwavering attention and action.

Here is a list of food banks and other affordable resources you can explore in Philadelphia.

  • Philabundance – 302 W Berks St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
  • SHARE Food Program – 2901 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
  • Broad Street Ministry – 315 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Second Antioch Baptist Church – 912 N 41st St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • North Light Community Center – 175 Green Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19127
  • Caring for Friends Food Pantry – 12271 Townsend Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
  • St. Peter’s Food Cupboard – 313 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • Helen Brown Community Center Food Pantry – 1845 N 23rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
  • Mitzvah Food Project – 2100 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
  • Bebashi Second Helping Emergency Food Cupboard – 1235 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
  • Mary Jane Home Enrichment Center – 1622 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
  • Saint Helena Food Bank – 6127 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
  • Voice Soup Kitchen and Pantry – 3509 Old York Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19140
  • Saint Mark’s Food Cupboard – 1625 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
  • Bryan Street Community Cupboard – 7156 Bryan St, Philadelphia, PA 19119
  • Pilgrim Baptist Church – 5930 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120
  • Krishna’s Food for Life – 312 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
  • IDAAY Food Pantry – 2305 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19132
  • Food for Hope – 7921 Oxford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111
  • Mother of Mercy House Food Pantry – 720 E Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
  • Mission of St. Joan of Arc Food Pantry – 2025 E Atlantic St, Philadelphia, PA 19134

Sources:

“Food Apartheid: The Root of the Problem with America’s Groceries.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 15 May 2018, www.theguardian.com/society/2018/may/15/food-apartheid-food-deserts-racism-inequality-america-karen-washington-interview.

“The Green New Deal Resource Hub.” Global Center for Climate Justice, www.climatejusticecenter.org/newsletter/food-apartheid-explained. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Jo Walker (MS ’25) |                      November 29, and Jo Walker (MS ’25). “‘food Desert’ vs. ‘Food Apartheid’: Which Term Best Describes Disparities in Food Access?” “Food Desert” vs. “Food Apartheid”: Which Term Best Describes Disparities in Food Access?, seas.umich.edu/news/food-desert-vs-food-apartheid-which-term-best-describes-disparities-food-access. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

“What Is Food Apartheid?” The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF, 28 Feb. 2024, tminstituteldf.org/what-is-food-apartheid/.