Sustenance and Equality

Sustenance and Equality

This photo is a promotional tool, both for the organization FEAST, and for 5th Season. The partnership formed by these pillars of Asheville represents the collective effort, put forth by our community, in order to promote everyone’s access to fresh and healthy food. I believe that by sponsoring everyone’s interest in creating a healthier community, this photo represents one view of food in Asheville.

In their pieces “If They Only Knew The Unbearable Whiteness of Alternative Food” and “Want Amid Plenty: From Hunger to Inequality” authors Janet Poppendieck and Julie Guthman draw attention to inequalities in the distribution of nutritious foods. Poppendieck focuses specifically upon socioeconomic inequalities, associated with hunger, using provocative political rhetoric to gain, and hold her reader’s attention. Focusing on racial inequalities, Guthman employs sociological rhetoric to highlight the underrepresentation of minorities in various alternative food circles. Both authors use the importance of food to expound upon inequality in society.

Poppendieck uses political rhetoric to focus her reader’s attention on the economic inequalities surrounding access to food. Poppendieck brings up the concept of “privation” which she then uses to criticize the political assumption that “hunger-[is]-the-problem” rather than the class inequality which creates it. This demonstrates one way in which Poppendieck uses political rhetoric to draw attention to the concepts she wishes to communicate. Another example of Poppendieck’s strategic use of political rhetoric comes about as she accuses the American tax system of promoting the inequality, which causes hunger, by concentrating “ever greater resources at the top.” These quotes are all examples of the politically charged rhetoric which Poppendieck employs to draw her reader’s attention to the inequality which generates hunger.

Guthman makes use of sociological rhetoric to discuss the unequal representation of minorities in alternative food circles. Guthman uses “existing research” (268) and “stud[ies] of  farmers markets” (268) to assert that minorities are missing from the healthy food phenomenon. Methods and phrases such as these are often reserved for use in the social sciences, a fact which backs up my argument, that Guthman employs sociological rhetoric to reinforce the assertions of her piece.

These authors’ use of food to draw attention to the inequalities in society subtly reinforces the claim that food is an important means of promoting sameness among people. By using food and its availability, or lack thereof, to comment upon conditions of society, both authors recognize the ability of sustenance to separate or unite individuals. The ability of food to serve in this capacity highlights its importance.

The Merits of FEAST

FEAST is a nonprofit based in the Asheville-Hendersonville area which aims its focus at eliminating the prevalence of food deserts. It educates children and adults alike on nutrition and sustainability. FEAST is an instrumental force behind improving the health of Western North Carolina and beyond.

My work with FEAST has focused primarily on the organization’s social media and outreach needs. Working closely with FEAST’s directors and higher-ups, I have set to work constructing a six month campaign plan consisting of tweets, Facebook posts, newsletters, and event updates.

My ability to communicate has been fortified by this writing intensive work. I have been enriched to consider the the audience with whom I’m connecting in the realm of social media. My writing repertoire has also been expanded to tackle the challenges of a new format. By working with media devices such as Twitter and Facebook, I’ve been lead to a greater understanding of persuasive, informative, writing in the 21st century.

Personally, I’ve developed a clear and straightforward professionalism. The position I sought and earned is a competitive one with many rewarding nuances and strict deadlines for intellectual work. In keeping up with its demands, I have had to interface regularly with the rest of the FEAST team, defend my work, and propose projects for the future. By keeping up with this self paced schedule of requirements, both for working and communicating, I have grown professionally.

I have come to understand, through working with FEAST, that nonprofits must be well prepared and well ordered to systematically achieve their goals while simultaneously sustaining themselves. As a voice of FEAST, I have come to realize that much of the work which goes on behind the scenes of our organization is based in strategy. We must meet our present and imminent needs while pushing for the expansion of our cause.

I hope to continue working with FEAST. I want further responsibilities as they relate to the rigor of writing, and the influence of planning. My work becomes intrinsically valuable when it’s backed by a virtuous cause such as that of FEAST, and this is a privilege I enjoy.