Applying Racial Equity to U.S. Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs - Flipbook - Page 7
Federal nutrition programs can apply a racial equity lens by:
Putting the needs of communities of color at the center. Focusing on the needs of communities
of color, including those related to historical trauma (see glossary), nutritional deficiencies, and resource
segregation, will strengthen program outcomes and benefit recipients of all races.
Expanding inclusivity. Some programs have eligibility restrictions on individuals or on institutions such
as schools and nonprofits. Many of these restrictions disproportionately hurt communities of color, so reducing
them would contribute to more racially equitable outcomes.
Implementing equity-centered approaches to make it easier for participants to receive
support. Implementing equity-centered approaches (see glossary) puts the needs of recipients of color
at the center (see glossary), which can reduce participation barriers. Currently, some program requirements
create constraints for many recipients, disproportionately people of color, when they try to access (see
glossary) services. Two of these constraints are remote or inaccessible physical locations of services, and the
requirement that participants apply for or access services in person. The latter is a barrier for many parents
who work in one of the 10 lowest-paying jobs (see glossary)—particularly those with unpredictable work
schedules6 and/or lack of access to reliable transportation. Taking into account potential constraints when
programs are designed and implemented will make it easier for recipients to access the services they need in an
equitable way.
Increasing support for and accountability of program staff. Racial equity is not always practiced
in program implementation—there can be a lack of cultural competence and cultural humility (see glossary)
among some implementing staff. Some recipients reported in interviews that they confronted interpersonal
racism, stereotypes (see glossary), and other forms of discrimination when trying to access program services.
All staff who interact with program beneficiaries, including administrators, school officials, and grocery
store cashiers, should be supported and held accountable for applying a racial equity lens in the way they
provide services to the community. Support could include training; accountability could include putting in
place procedures for filing complaints. Employing a staff that is racially representative of the community and
establishing a pathway for program beneficiaries to become staff will also help promote equity, reduce bias, and
improve program outcomes.
Creating a mechanism that allows recipients, particularly recipients of color, to
participate in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Program participants
should have a mechanism to provide feedback that informs program improvements. As the end users,
recipients are uniquely qualified to offer their perspectives. It is important to note that participation should
be equitable—meaning that participants have real power to influence the outcomes. For more on the role of
equitable engagement in the report’s methodology, see page 73. Creating such a mechanism affirms the value
of experiential expertise and helps establish an environment that supports consistent growth in applying racial
equity principles.
Strengthening the collection and disaggregation of data. Glaring gaps exist in the data,
particularly disaggregated racial and ethnicity data on the impact of programs on reducing poor health
or improving nutritional outcomes. Collecting this data and making it accessible to researchers is key to
ensuring that programs reach all communities and that the United States is making progress toward racial
equity and food security.
A BREAD FOR THE WORLD INSTITUTE SPECIAL REPORT
7
