How My Miss America Journey Led Me to Serve and Fight for Food Equity: My Personal Story

Service is at the heart of the Miss America Organization, beautifully represented by the four points of the crown: style, substance, scholarship, and service. Each point is a reminder of the interconnected elements that foster personal growth and a commitment to our communities. As I reflect on my journey within this esteemed framework, I realize that service speaks to me profoundly, especially in regard to a cause close to my heart: food equity.

Food equity means ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food, no matter their socioeconomic status. It involves addressing systemic barriers that deny individuals the healthy food options they deserve. This mission connects deeply with local farms, sustainable food systems, and community gardens. By supporting these initiatives, we strengthen local economies and elevate the health and well-being of everyone involved.

My journey toward advocating for food equity has been shaped significantly by my grandfather. He faced the challenges of diabetes and kidney disease, which meant adhering to a strict diet. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how hard it was to manage dietary needs amid a lack of accessible information and resources. This experience ignited my passion for community service. I began volunteering with Community Servings in Boston, which prepares and delivers nutritious meals to individuals facing medical challenges. I saw how providing healthy food could change lives, prompting me to engage in larger-scale initiatives.

Winning the title of Miss Worcester County’s Teen naturally pushed my platform toward food equity. My passion led to the creation of "Bite Back Hunger: Fighting for Food Equity." This food drive aims not just to collect non-perishable food items but also to raise awareness about the importance of food access. I envision it as a movement uniting individuals towards the shared goal of ensuring every family has the resources they need for a healthy diet.

As I step into this arena, it’s clear: food equity is a global issue demanding our focus. The differences between food-rich neighborhoods and food deserts are staggering. In many communities, fresh produce is missing and often replaced with processed food that is both cheaper and harmful to health. According to the USDA, 39 million Americans live in food-insecure households. This cycle of poverty and poor nutrition impacts generations.

Local solutions are critical in addressing this growing crisis. Community gardens exemplify efforts where neighbors collaborate to grow food, learn about nutrition, and build connections. These gardens significantly enhance food security by promoting local food production and encouraging sustainable practices. Supporting local farms is equally crucial. By advocating for seed preservation and promoting small-scale farmers, we can create a more robust food system that empowers communities.

Through "Bite Back Hunger," I aim to highlight these initiatives and motivate others to take action. Organizing food drives might seem small, but together, they contribute to a broader movement for food justice. I plan to host workshops emphasizing the link between sustainable food practices and health. Additionally, we'll focus on policies that improve food access.

It's vital to engage local stakeholders, including schools and businesses, to form a united front against hunger. By building partnerships, we can magnify our efforts. Understanding food equity means recognizing the intricate links between poverty, health, and access to food. Each time we share our stories and educate others, we get closer to dismantling the barriers hindering food equity.

As I continue this journey, I often reflect on my grandfather’s struggles. His experiences motivate me to serve, aiming for a world where everyone has access to nutritious food. The Miss America crown reminds me that serving others enriches not only those we seek to help but us as individuals. Nurturing others fosters togetherness, compassion, and our shared humanity.

Reflecting on my time with the Miss America Organization, I see how it has fueled my commitment to advocate for food equity. Through initiatives like "Bite Back Hunger," I strive to create change both locally and beyond. Together, we can cultivate a future where everyone can access nutritious food, ensuring the opportunity for all to thrive.

Let’s come together and fight for food equity, knowing this collective commitment can pave the way for a better world for future generations. Thank you for engaging with my story. I invite you to stand by my side in this important mission.

Local community garden contributing to food equity