Food Justice is Social Justice with Asha Walker

March 8, 2021

Food justice is social justice, and Asha Walker is doing her part to bring healthy food options to Miami communities. With a mission that was inspired by the direct need surrounding her, Asha Founded Health in the Hood to bring vibrant vegetable gardens (and other wellness programs) to underserved communities. In today’s episode of Lift U Up: Inspiring Health Stories, Asha shares the story of Health in the Hood from day one, the impact they make today, and her goals for growth in the coming years.

Born and raised in Miami, Asha grew up with a love for the city she called home. Though a background in theatre, she found herself in the nonprofit world right out of college and spent 10 years in the industry. After a decade of engaging with so many different communities and people, Asha saw a specific need within local food desserts – and she decided she was going to make a difference in her own way.

The decision to start Health in the Hood was natural for Asha and her parents played a large role in that. Her father who she calls the “O.G. gardener” and taught her the importance of community gardens from a young age. Her mother passed on a passion for health and wellness that stuck with Asha. Together, the mission of Health in the Hood was a perfect fit for Asha.

Today, Health in the Hood has 9 farms in the Miami area that produce healthy food options for their community, by their community.

What else can you expect in this episode?

The details behind why vacant land can (and should) be viewed as an asset in low-income communities.
How Asha overcame challenges starting her own nonprofit.
How Health in the Hood keeps their farms sustainable, and how they provide wellness assistance beyond the gardens.
Exactly what it means to say, “Food justice is social justice.”
How Health in the Hood hopes to expand their efforts, including their Garden to Grocer program coming soon.
Asha’s wellness tips for taking care of yourself, from a busy nonprofit founder to you.