Franklinton Follies: A Community Health Presentation to Remember
June 7th, 2024, was no ordinary day. It was Community Health Presentation Day, and we hit the ground running at 7:30 am! Our virtual presentation session was packed with insights, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. The highlight? Our presentation on food insecurity in Franklinton, Ohio, features a light-hearted, fun video we created with our Norwegian friends. Here’s how it all went down.
Waiting to begin our presentations!
A Taste of Franklinton: Our Video Adventure
To bring the issue of food insecurity to life, we collaborated with our Norwegian buddies, Nora and Lars, to produce a video that was both informative and entertaining. The storyline? Nora and Lars, posing as tourists, set out on a quest for fresh food in Franklinton. They encountered Raegan, a friendly local who guided them to a small corner store. The twist? The store was stocked only with processed fruits and vegetables—no fresh produce in sight.
Determined to find fresh food, Raegan offered to drive them to a nearby town. Their journey was fraught with obstacles: construction and road closures stretched a simple trip into a 30-minute car ride. Eventually, they reached a grocery store that offered the fresh fruits and vegetables they were looking for. The video illustrated the stark reality of food deserts and the lengths residents must go to for healthy food.
Movie stills feating Lars, Nora, and Raegan
Thank you Sam’s Food Shop for letting us film in your store!
Lars is very excited to have finally found some fresh food!
Food Insecurity: A Tale of Two Countries
Our presentation didn’t stop there. We dove into the contrasts between food insecurity in Norway and the USA. Here are some eye-opening stats:
- USA: 12.8% of citizens experience food insecurity, with Ohio among the states with the highest rates. In Franklinton, nearly 50% of households face food insecurity.
- Norway: About 10% of the population lives below the poverty threshold, but the issue is more about economic constraints than physical access. Norway’s “Letter of Intent” agreement between the government and the food industry aims to reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains.
Solutions and Initiatives
We highlighted efforts to mitigate food insecurity in the USA, such as food subsidies (SNAP) and food pantries. However, access to healthy food remains a challenge in many neighborhoods. One promising solution? Community gardens. These gardens foster community involvement, promote sustainable farming, and provide fresh food.
A Global Goal: SDG 2.1
Our discussion tied into Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round. Addressing food insecurity is crucial for achieving this goal, particularly in areas like Franklinton where physical and economic barriers to healthy food persist.
Learning from Others
The day was enriched by presentations from other groups covering topics like addiction, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and homelessness. Each presentation was unique and informative, making for a deeply engaging start to the day.
Learning about the differences in HIV treatment in Columbus vs Oslo!
What a lovely and informative podcast about addiction and the resources available!
Aha Moment: Empathy and Understanding
The biggest takeaway? Understanding the daily struggles faced by food-insecure populations. Our video and literature review highlighted the importance of empathy and the need for actionable solutions. Witnessing the efforts required just to access fresh food in Franklinton was a powerful reminder of the disparities that exist even in our backyards.
Wrapping Up
June 7th, 2024, was a whirlwind of learning and connection. Our Community Health Presentation Day wasn’t just about sharing information—it was about fostering empathy, sparking discussions, and exploring solutions. As we continue our journey in public health, days like these remind us why we do what we do. Here’s to more enlightening experiences and to make a difference, one presentation at a time.