Breaking Bread: Tackling Food Insecurity with Action, Innovation, and Community

Let’s talk about something many of us might take for granted: food. Not just any food, but access to healthy, affordable, and consistent meals. It’s a basic need, right? Yet, for too many families in our community, food insecurity is a daily reality. At the Richard Robinson CBA Group, we’re not just about talking—we’re about action. That’s why we’re diving headfirst into an exciting opportunity to address this issue in a way that’s innovative, bold, and community-driven.

Food Insecurity: A Historical Perspective

Food insecurity is not a new problem. It’s deeply rooted in systemic inequities that have historically affected Black and marginalized communities. From redlining to urban renewal projects that displaced families, to the lack of grocery stores in predominantly Black neighborhoods (hello, food deserts!), the issue runs far deeper than an empty fridge.

Let’s not forget: during the Civil Rights Movement, food was a battleground. Activists like Fannie Lou Hamer started initiatives like the Freedom Farm Cooperative to fight hunger and provide resources for self-sufficiency. Food has always been tied to power—who has it, who controls it, and who lacks it. That’s why today’s fight for food security is more than just about meals; it’s about justice.

The Food Secure Communities Initiative: A Game-Changer

Now, let’s fast-forward to the present. Wichita is stepping up in a big way. The Sedgwick County Health Department and the Health & Wellness Coalition have been selected to participate in the Food Secure Communities Initiative. This isn’t just another government program; it’s a bold, community-led effort to tackle the root causes of hunger.

Here’s the deal: they’re asking us—the community—to identify what we see as the most pressing causes of food insecurity. They want to know what we think, what we’ve experienced, and what solutions might actually work. Then, over the next three years, they’re putting those ideas into action through innovative interventions designed to break the cycle of hunger.

But here’s the twist: they’re not looking for perfect answers. They’re looking for real ones. Experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement are not only encouraged—they’re expected.

Why This Matters for Us

For the RRCBA Group, this is a golden opportunity. It’s our chance to use our collective voice to drive change. Food insecurity doesn’t just affect individuals; it ripples through families, neighborhoods, and generations. By addressing it, we’re laying the foundation for healthier communities and stronger futures.

And let’s not kid ourselves—this is also about reclaiming agency. It’s about ensuring that the solutions designed for our community come from our community. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering Wichita’s most vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable, equitable growth.

How You Can Help

This is where you come in. They’ve created a quick, 5-8 minute survey to gather insights from people like you. Whether you’ve faced food insecurity yourself, know someone who has, or just care deeply about the issue, your input matters.

Take the survey here: http://bit.ly/hwchunger

Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. Share this survey with your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else who wants to be part of the solution. The more input they get, the stronger and more effective the initiative will be.

A Community Effort, Rooted in Solidarity

At the RRCBA Group, we believe in the power of people. History has shown us that when communities come together, they can overcome even the toughest challenges. Hunger is no exception. With the Food Secure Communities Initiative, we have an opportunity to make a lasting impact. But it starts with us—sharing our stories, our ideas, and our hope for a better future.

So, are you ready to break bread with us and tackle food insecurity head-on? Let’s do this—because when we fight together, we win together.

Join the movement. Take the survey. Be the change.

In solidarity,The RRCBA Team

“We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” — Gwendolyn Brooks