Comment on FR Doc # 2012-22290

My research reveals that ecological frameworks have been used by community developers in the tradition of social work. Social Work has historically concentrated on community institutions of help in areas of poverty, unemployment, and educational disparities. These intractable issues impact food insecurity among African Americans. Given the 2009 recession, Black persons living in segregated poverty suffer from eating unhealthy foods, if they eat at all, as research poverty and food insecurity are closely linked. Although 13% of the US population, about a third of Black children are in poverty; 35% of Black families struggle to put food on the table due to miserably low incomes. Outcomes of this reality are evidenced by poor school performance, community alienation and demoralization. Government nutritional programs such as WIC and SNAP, chool breakfasts and lunches are insufficient, as they do not encourage healthy eating and healthy food preparation. These programs are unavailable for Black poor elderly and disabled persons. Program implementation to fight food insecurity may be met with these suggestions to fill gaps: 1) Provide funding for the creation of community gardens with master gardeners and organizations skilled at growing fruits and vegetables in impoverished areas; 2) Provide funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to develop certificate programs geared at nutritional and community development skill-sets; 3) Provide more funding for Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels, and mobile food units; 4) Provide funding to engage faith-based institutions in the Black community to engage in community gardens development, identify poor persons who are ineligible for public assistance programs, encourage Healthy Eating Sundays with menu ideas of cultural meals by Black chefs. 5) Provide funding for new data collections for food that is wasted by food banks. 6) Investigate whether city councils investigate food insecurities.