TCG and The White House: Health, Hunger, and Nutrition

With childhood and adult obesity rates at an all time high and heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, now more than ever America needs to have a national conversation on how and why these morbid conditions continue to persist. 

For the first time in 50 years the White House is hosting a conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This September the Administration is calling on the nation’s brightest minds in the field as it works to identify and implement solutions that might end national hunger and decrease the amount of diet-related comorbidities in our country such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and more.

TCG views the conference as a crucial step towards advancing innovative solutions like ours that directly address the root causes of food insecurity, malnutrition, and poor health outcomes that are plaguing so many Americans.

Specifically, The Biden Administration is centering its dialogue around five main pillars that the conference is tackling:

(1) Improve food access and affordability, 

(2) Integrate nutrition and health, 

(3) Empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices,

(4) Support physical activity for all, 

(5) Enhance nutrition and food security research

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, at least 10.5% of US households in 2020 were food insecure, with this number on the rise coming out of the pandemic. Additionally, the White House outlines that access and affordability are deeply correlated. TCG is addressing food insecurity, starting in Philadelphia, by pioneering new forms of physical access points to nutrition in food deserts. For too long, convenient forms of affordable nutrition have not been within reach of low income Americans. TCG, with its line of pre-packaged meal kits designed to be bought with SNAP benefits – is bringing genuine forms of nutrition within walking distance of previously food insecure neighbors.

“There is nowhere around here to buy a healthy meal or fresh ingredients. That’s what we need.” - S. Philadelphia Resident

In focus groups conducted by TCG in South Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry section – a primarily African American neighborhood classified by its astronomical childhood poverty rate and deaths attributable to heart disease and cancer – one community member stated, “There is nowhere around here to buy a healthy meal or fresh ingredients. That’s what we need.” Neighbors like him in food deserts across America understand deeply the lack of available food choices to them – and the costs of this reality measured in health and productivity.  

Another key point of the White House Conference is to “empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices.” From a 2021 survey in Grays Ferry Philadelphia, 93% of residents stated that they wanted more access to fresh ingredients and healthy meals in their neighborhood. However, due to a lack of reliable access and affordability, almost no residents were able to purchase the healthy meals they desired. Instead, neighbors were confined to the cheap processed foods sold within walking distance, such as chips, soda, frozen pockets, and MSG filled noodles. A USDA article titled “What Drives Consumers to Purchase Convenience Foods,” found that low income families who are busy at work are more likely to purchase foods that are convenient and easy. With TCG, the ability to receive a pre-packaged meal that can subsequently be cooked to the highest standards is revolutionary as it enhances access to meals that are convenient, healthy, and delicious.

TCG is developing a multifaceted plan to promote healthy lifestyles and track the ensuing health benefits. The organization’s efforts range from “integrating nutrition and health” by linking its menu items and loyalty program with local health providers, to hosting free weekly cooking classes, to “supporting physical activity” by sponsoring local youth sports leagues. 

Hunger. Nutrition. Health.

As the White House looks for ideas and solutions to strengthen their pillars, TCG believes the administration can best help by:

Supporting the construction and development of community-run stores that can conveniently take EBT in exchange for nutritious menu offerings.

Creating opportunities for SNAP benefits to be spent on desirable, nutritious, and practical food options.

Fostering communication platforms for idea and resource sharing across communities.

Organizing deliveries of excess food to these community run stores.

Regulating, with scrutiny, the dangerous chemicals and additives found in most junk food offerings. 

We must work together at the White House this September to create the equitable, just, and sustainable food system our country desperately needs.