Photo by Sophie Sheinwald for Generation Share.
Malik Yakitini is the founder of the Detroit Black Food Security Network, who run a 7-acre community site called D-Town Farm.
There are many challenges for the African American community in accessing food. There is very poor public transportation in Detroit and 40% of people do not have cars. So, the food that you have access to, is the food that is in walking distance -- often highly processed, junk food. And, if good food is available, but you cannot afford to buy it, you don’t have access to it. Food justice has to be coupled with the struggle against poverty, food is a human right. As a human being, regardless of your economic status, race, gender or religion, you have the right to high quality food, just as you have a right to water.
We live in a capitalist system where everything is commoditised and access depends on wealth. There is a rampant individualistic mind-set prevalent in capitalism and this greed (the not-sharing) is the root of poverty. I am working hard to dismantle it and to create another system that is more equitable. The way out of it is to see each other as an extension of ourselves so, sharing is natural like in your family.”
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