Pre-Brief Activities For Exodus Food Packing Purpose ✓ Solved
Pre-Brief Activities for Exodus Food Packing Purpose: Food insecur
Food insecurity is a national and global public health issue which contributes to numerous negative health outcomes. Healthy People 2030 describes food insecurity and its consequences. The purpose of this activity is to have the student understand the health implications related to food insecurity and to engage in public health interventions to address this issue. Provide the answers to the following questions according to the link provided below.
Assignment Questions
- What is the mission statement for Exodus World Service?
- Provide some historical information about Exodus World Service.
- Describe the meaning of the term “Refugee” and their experience when starting a new life in the United States.
- What is Food Insecurity?
- What communities are served by the Exodus World Service - Chicago?
- What type of individuals/families do you believe are encountered when food is delivered to the homes by the volunteers?
Paper For Above Instructions
The mission statement of Exodus World Service is to mobilize the local church to minister to refugees and immigrants. The organization seeks to provide essential support systems for refugees as they arrive in the United States, focusing on integration and self-sufficiency. Their work is underpinned by the belief that refugees are not merely victims but resilient individuals with unique stories and potential for contribution to society (Exodus World Service, 2023).
Exodus World Service was founded in 1987, initially as a grassroots organization aimed at providing assistance to the Southeast Asian refugee community, primarily focusing on resettlement efforts. Over the years, its mission has expanded to include support for refugees from various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Central America, addressing their diverse needs through various programs (Exodus World Service, 2023). Today, Exodus serves in multiple capacities, including education, housing support, and skill-building initiatives, thus adapting to the evolving landscape of refugee needs.
The term “refugee” refers to individuals who are forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, or violence. Refugees often face immense challenges when starting a new life in the United States, including cultural adjustment, economic challenges, and emotional turmoil stemming from their experiences. Many refugees arrive with limited financial resources and language barriers which can complicate their access to employment and education. The journey to integration is fraught with obstacles, yet refugees often show incredible resilience, navigating a complex system while striving for stability and success (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2021).
Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This is not solely about hunger but includes the uncertainty that can surround food supply, which can lead to anxiety about food expenditures and the quality of food consumed. Food insecurity can have a devastating impact on physical health and mental well-being, leading to chronic diseases and psychological distress (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2020). Groups particularly affected by food insecurity include low-income families, especially those with children, the elderly, and immigrant populations who may not have the same level of access to resources (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015).
Exodus World Service - Chicago primarily serves refugees and immigrants from various backgrounds, focusing on helping those who have recently arrived. The organization works in partnership with local churches and community groups, assisting communities from countries affected by conflict and persecution. This diverse service approach ensures that the needs of different populations are acknowledged and met effectively (Chicago Food Depository, 2021).
When food is delivered by volunteers to the homes of refugees, the individuals and families encountered may include single parents, children, the elderly, and larger family units. Many of these recipients may struggle economically and may experience barriers in accessing traditional food pantry services due to language barriers or lack of transportation. Food delivery services, such as those provided by Exodus World Service, not only offer immediate nutritional support but also demonstrate community solidarity and show refugees that they are valued and not isolated in their new environment (Feeding America, 2021).
Conclusion
The issues surrounding food insecurity and the challenges faced by refugees highlight the need for sustained public health interventions. Organizations like Exodus World Service strive to mitigate these challenges by providing essential services aimed at fostering integration and support for displaced populations. Combating food insecurity is a crucial step toward improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to resources for all members of society.
References
- Chicago Food Depository. (2021). Food insecurity in Chicago. Retrieved from https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org
- Coleman-Jensen, A., Rabbitt, M. P., Gregory, C. A., & Singh, A. (2020). Household food insecurity in the United States in 2019. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=99281
- Feeding America. (2021). The state of hunger: Food insecurity in America. Retrieved from https://www.feedingamerica.org
- Gundersen, C., & Ziliak, J. P. (2015). Food insecurity and health outcomes. Health Affairs, 34(11), 1830-1839.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2021). Global trends: Forced displacement in 2020. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/globaltrends2021
- Exodus World Service. (2023). Mission and history. Retrieved from https://www.exodusworldservice.org
- Exodus World Service. (2023). Programs and services. Retrieved from https://www.exodusworldservice.org/programs
- Food Research & Action Center. (2020). Food insecurity and health. Retrieved from https://frac.org
- National Institute of Health. (2019). Food insecurity: A public health issue. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/food-insecurity-public-health
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Definitions of food insecurity. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/food-insecurity