After I graduated from college I moved to Arizona for a volunteer year with the Presbyterian Church. Each of my housemates and I were assigned a different non-profit with which to work. As one of my housemates explained that he was to work in food security, I tried to imagine Phil more intimidating than he first appeared. I envisioned him valiantly defending a food truck from marauding bands of warlords. I wondered if he would get a navy blue jacket with yellow lettering and carry pepper spray. I did not yet understand what this term, food security meant.
Food security, is not about assembling force. Food security is about insuring that everyone's food sources are safe. This means making sure that people know where their next meal is going to come from, and it means making sure that that meal is safe and heathy. Through his work with the Tucson Community Food Bank: Phil learned about food systems, promoted community gardens, ensured that farmers markets could accept food stamps, and educated the public and his housemates about all of these things.
