In recent years, the intersectionality of environmental, social, and economic factors has become increasingly evident in the realm of public health. One crucial aspect that demands our attention is the pervasive health disparities faced by Black and Brown communities, which often result from systemic inequalities in access to nutritious food, economic resources, and healthcare. For instance, studies have consistently shown that Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by food deserts, limiting their access to fresh and healthy food options. Furthermore, the economic challenges faced by individuals in these communities can exacerbate the problem, creating a cycle of limited resources, increased crime rate, drug abuse, and compromised well-being in general.
TopIntroduction
In recent years, the intersectionality of environmental, social, and economic factors has become increasingly evident in the realm of public health (Borowski & Patuk, 2021; Hathaway, 2020; Maynard et al., 2020). One crucial aspect that demands our attention is the pervasive health disparities faced by Black and Brown communities, which often result from systemic inequalities in access to nutritious food, economic resources, and healthcare (Berger & Miller, 2021). For instance, studies have consistently shown that Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by food deserts, limiting their access to fresh and healthy food options (Bevel et al., 2023; Cooksey Stowers et al., 2020). Furthermore, the economic challenges faced by individuals in these communities can exacerbate the problem, creating a cycle of limited resources, increased crime rate, drug abuse and compromised well-being in general (Dean, 2022; Hallum et al., 2020). Food sustainability, a fundamental tenet of responsible and equitable food systems, has gained increasing recognition as a catalyst for addressing pressing issues related to food access, health disparities, and social justice (Fleetwood, 2020). This journal article embarks on an exploration of food sustainability, encompassing not only the ecological and economic dimensions but also the social aspects, with a special emphasis on how beekeeping plays a role in fostering health and well-being in Black and Brown communities. In this exploration, the study aims to underscore the transformative potential of sustainable food practices, including beekeeping, in promoting both health and social equity.
The social dimension of food sustainability is intimately linked to the health outcomes of individuals and communities (Janker & Mann, 2020; Monterrosa et al., 2020). In Black and Brown communities, historical and systemic inequities have resulted in disproportionately adverse health disparities, with limited access to nutritious, culturally relevant, and affordable food (Borras & Mohamed, 2020). In such settings, beekeeping, as part of broader sustainable food initiatives, has the potential to bring about positive change (Devkota, 2020). In an attempt to comprehend this concept, the study delves deep into how beekeeping contributes to addressing these barriers by providing a source of high-quality, locally produced honey and other bee-related products, offering an economically viable and nutritious food source.
The nexus between beekeeping and health extends beyond the availability of honey (Etxegarai-Legarreta & Sanchez-Famoso, 2022). Beekeeping can be an essential part of urban and community agriculture initiatives, promoting the cultivation of fruits and vegetables through enhanced pollination (Devkota, 2020; Nayak etal., 2020). These efforts not only increase access to fresh, nutrient-rich produce but also stimulate economic opportunities within the community (Devkota et al., 2022; Schouten, 2020). Beekeeping offers a holistic approach to food sustainability by addressing the ecological, economic, and social aspects of food systems (Fedoriak et al., 2021; Etxegarai-Legarreta, & Sanchez-Famoso, 2022). Moreover, sustainable beekeeping practices empower communities to take control of their food systems, which is a cornerstone of food sovereignty (Nobels, 2023). By integrating beekeeping with urban farming and community gardens, individuals and communities can reconnect with their cultural heritage, and traditional dietary practices, and strengthen social bonds (Etxegarai-Legarreta, & Sanchez-Famoso, 2022). In this way, beekeeping contributes to both physical health and cultural resilience within these communities. Overall, this study offers insights into how sustainable food practices, including beekeeping, hold the promise of revitalizing these communities, addressing health disparities, and nurturing a more equitable and health-conscious society