It's not JUST about Food...it's about JUSTICE

TOGETHER: through resources-equity and accessible harm reduction programs, we can make a difference!

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Food Justice United of Arkansas

About Food Justice United of Arkansas

Food Justice United of Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public health organization based in Little Rock, AR.

FJU was established to address the care gaps for low-income families, Veterans, Urban Indians, BIPOC, individuals in substance abuse treatment and their families, recovering addicts and their families, and those experiencing life hardships.

The organization coordinates harm reduction programs, hosts and supports mutual aid Free Stores and resources-access programs through collaboration with food banks, community and governmental entities, extending the reach of their goals of community mutual aid and empowerment.

What is Harm Reduction?

Imagine you have a friend who loves skateboarding, but sometimes they fall and get hurt. Harm reduction is like giving your friend a helmet or teaching them how to land safely. It doesn't stop them from skateboarding, but it helps them not get hurt as much if they fall.

Harm reduction means finding ways to make sure that when people do something that might not be very safe, like taking drugs or having casual sex, they can do it in a way that's less likely to hurt them or others. It's about helping everyone stay as safe as possible, even when they're doing risky things.

How to use Narcan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnjgrRNMfKM&list=PLoYEdxH4g2Wn2rkSxgOI0CbVUeRIaP_PJ&index=3&t=30s

How to use Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6JUT-r-rLM

How to use Xylazine Test Strips(XTS): https://youtu.be/ngeFt1QjtpE?si=U9UeVqGQEy40KuGI

Why carry Naloxone?

Naloxone can prevent overdose deaths. In 2019, one study found opioids were linked to almost 50,000 deaths, and that bystanders were present in one out of every 3. Often, someone is there when an overdose happens. If they have naloxone, they can use it to possibly save a life. Anyone can carry and use naloxone in an emergency.

How to Administer Naloxone

Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult, but don't worry. Naloxone is a safe medication and can be administered to most anyone, if they aren't overdosing you aren't going to harm them.

Signs of an overdose may include:

Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
Slow, shallow breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Pale, blue, or cold skin

The C.A.C.A method

When you suspect someone is having an opioid overdose, don't panic! Just remember the C.A.C.A method. ALWAYS call 911 FIRST in any emergency...

Check

the person by loudly saying their name, then use a "trapezius squeeze" where you use your index finger and thumb to squeeze and twist about 2 inches of that muscle. Alternatively, rub your knuckles into their sternum. If they do not respond, go to the next step....

Administer

the naloxone spray into their nostril by firmly pushing the plunger of the nasal spray with the person on their back, then place them in the recovery position. Note the time - a dose can be given every 2 minutes if the person has not resumed normal breathing.

Call 911

report an UNCONSCIOUS person and that it is a medical emergency ONLY. Most states have good Samaritan Laws to protect you and also the person overdosing. If you are not able to call 911 and can move the person safely, get them to the hospital ASAP!

Administer

the second dose of naloxone if the person still hasn't responded after two minutes. Spray the second dose into the other nostril. Continue to administer every 2 minutes, keeping them in the recovery position in between doses until they recover or paramedics arrive.

Harm Reduction Resources

Here are some great resources and links from the harm reduction, drug policy reform and sex worker rights spaces. This is by no means an exhaustive list! If you’d like to be listed (or think a resource should be) please reach out to us at: ean@foodjusticeunited.org

Drug and Harm Reduction Information and Resources for Individuals
Bluelight- one of the oldest message boards for drug users on the internet.

DanceSafe- information on party and festival drugs as well as access to drug testing supplies.

Drugwise- a UK based repository of safer drug use information.

Erowid- probably the largest repository of factual information and personal experiences covering literally every psychoactive substance known.

Getting Off Right- a guide to injection drug use by Sara Kershnar via the Harm Reduction Coalition; essentially the bible of safer injection practices.

Injecting Advice- general information on safer injecting and related harm reduction practices.

Reddit Harm Reduction Forum- Reddit listserv on harm reduction.

Tweaker.org- a repository of information and insights for stimulant users.

Harm Reduction Based Help for Changing Your Relationship with Drugs
HAMS: Harm Reduction for Alcohol- harm reduction-based approach to alcohol use.

Harm Reduction Therapy Center- a full service harm reduction based therapy practice.

Harm Reduction Works- a self-directed, self-help, harm reduction-based group model for changing your relationship with drugs. To find an existing meeting please see their Facebook group.

The Center for Optimal Living- specializes in alternative addiction and mental health treatment aimed at empowering individuals.

Harm Reduction Information & Organizational Support
AIDS United- AIDS United is dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic and provides funding focused on HIV prevention and treatment including the Syringe Access Fund.

Balanced Imperfection- harm reduction based public health consultants focused on training, infrastructure building, strategic planning, and one-on-one and group coaching.

Comer Family Foundation- the premier private foundation helping fund syringe access since 1992.

Filter Magazine- an online magazine who advocates through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights.

Harm Reduction.EU- a European based database of information, publications and websites on harm reduction best practices.

NASTAD- one of the largest technical assistance organizations operating in the HIV space. NASTAD has a Drug User Health Initiative.

National Harm Reduction Coalition- the largest and oldest harm reduction advocacy organization.

Oregon Health Authority Harm Reduction and SSP Resource Directory- a database of information and publications related to syringe access and harm reduction best practices.

Drug and Prison Policy Reform Organizations
Americans for Safe Access- primarily focused on marijuana policy especially related to medical cannabis.

Center for Prison Reform- the Center for Prison Reform (CPR) works at all levels to promote positive prison reform.

Critical Resistance- Critical Resistance seeks to build an international movement to end the Prison Industrial Complex by challenging the belief that caging and controlling people makes folks safe.

Drug Policy Alliance- the largest drug policy reform organization in the US.

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)- focused on policy reform issues related to psychedelics especially in medicine.

Prison Policy Initiative- focusing on prison reform through research and evidence.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy- student organization focused on drug policy reform and young people.

The Marshall Project- nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system.

Prisoner and Reentry Support
Prison Legal News is a project of the Human Rights Defense Center and straddles the line between policy and service organizations. They push for changes to prisoner treatment largely through bringing cases against prison systems and they publish an excellent monthly magazine providing news and analysis of prisoners rights.

Prison Talk is another great resource for incarcerated folks and their families to connect and share information.

The Lionheart Foundation is dedicated to providing social emotional learning programs SEL to incarcerated adults and maintains an extensive database of reentry programs for formerly incarcerated folks.

Drug User Unions
INPUD- International Network of People who Use Drugs- international association of drugs users.

National Urban Survivors Union- the largest national drug user union.

New England Users Union- Massachusetts based user union.

San Francisco Drug Users Union- SF based drug user run organization.

VANDU- the oldest drug user union in North America and based in Vancouver, BC.

Safer Sex Work Information and Resources
HIPS- harm reduction-based organization serving sex workers in our nation’s capital.

International Union of Sex Workers- an international sex worker advocacy and labor rights organizing body.

Red Umbrella Project-NYC based project giving voice to sex workers.

Sex Workers Outreach Project- Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA is a national network of chapters dedicated to the human rights of people involved in sex work focusing on ending violence and stigma.

St. James Infirmary- created by and for sex workers SJI is the only occupational safety and health clinic for sex workers in the world and they publish a resource guide for sex workers.

The Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP)- upholds the voice of sex workers globally and connects regional networks advocating for the rights of all sex workers.

Food Justice United of Arkansas in Action

Support Food Justice United of Arkansas Today

We are a charitable organization working to support communities in need across the state of Arkansas. We believe that by investing in basic necessities and mutual aid, we can help break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals and communities to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

With your support, we can continue to make a positive impact; closing the care gap of those in need.

PayPal Charitable Giving Fund

Food Justice United: Fighting for Student Food Access

Transforming Lives with Food Justice United of Arkansas

U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education Announce New Partnership to Expand SNAP Awareness and Access for Eligible College Students

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) today announced the signing of a joint agreement to strengthen college student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.

This agreement aims to increase awareness of SNAP among college students, as new data shows millions of students eligible for food assistance are falling through the cracks. A recent Government Accountability Office report revealed 67% of the 3.3 million college students potentially eligible for SNAP reported not receiving benefits.

"We’re committed to making SNAP more accessible and easier to understand for low-income college students," said USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Cindy Long. “Many of today’s college students are balancing jobs and family responsibilities. Access to SNAP ensures that eligible students can focus on their education, mental health, and overall well-being, rather than making difficult choices between groceries, textbooks, or other essentials.”

Today's action is a key achievement of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. FNS and FSA will work together to send emails to low-income students who may be eligible for SNAP informing them of their potential eligibility, basic information about SNAP rules for students, and how to apply. They will also work closely with institutions of higher education to help them provide clear guidance to students on SNAP eligibility and application processes. These efforts are aimed at increasing awareness of students’ potential eligibility for SNAP and reducing barriers that prevent many eligible students from accessing the food assistance they are entitled to.

“Almost one-quarter of college students experience food insecurity, and too many of these students who qualify for SNAP are not receiving benefits. This joint agreement represents the commitment of the Department of Education and USDA to work together to ensure low-income students receive all the support they need to afford and complete college,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal.

The agreement also includes plans to pilot data-sharing projects in up to 10 states, allowing state SNAP agencies and colleges to collaborate in outreach to students who may be eligible for benefits and providing technical support to institutions and agencies in those efforts. By utilizing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) data, this initiative aims to enable institutions and agencies to more effectively reach potential SNAP applicants and connect them with the resources they need. The Department of Education has previously released guidance on how institutions of higher education and state grant agencies can use FAFSA data for outreach about means-tested benefits, such as SNAP.

To qualify for SNAP, students enrolled in institutions of higher education at least half time must meet the program’s income and other requirements as well as at least one of the other eligibility conditions, such as enrolling in a work-study program, working at least 20 hours per week, being a single parent, or having a disability.

State agencies administer SNAP, process applications, and determine eligibility. Students should contact the local SNAP office where they reside to learn how to apply or to ask other questions. Institutions of higher education with questions about student SNAP eligibility should contact their state SNAP agency.

For More Information

Infographic: SNAP College Student Eligibility

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

As a principal office of the U.S. Department of Education, FSA plays a central and essential role in the nation’s postsecondary education system as the largest provider of student financial aid. FSA ensures that all eligible Americans can benefit from federal financial assistance for education or career training beyond high school. In FY23, FSA provided approximately $114.1 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds to help more than 9.7 million students and their families. To learn more about FSA’s programs, products, and services, visit StudentAid.gov.

Food Justice United of Arkansas for a Better Future

Ensuring-Resources Equity and Access in Food with Our Partners in Government

We are committed to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity by expanding access to care, improving health care quality, and supporting health care providers who serve populations at risk for poor health outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity by expanding access to care, improving health care quality, and supporting health care providers who serve populations who are at increased risk for poor health outcomes.

In recognition of research findings that social determinants of health (SDOH) account for about half of the variation in health outcomes in the nation, HHS is moving with urgency to address SDOH and unmet health-related social needs (HRSNs) that have the potential to worsen health and wellbeing.

Systemic Barriers (Infrastructural Violence) to Healthy Eating

The impact of diet on chronic conditions and other poor health outcomes is well documented. Despite this knowledge, health outcomes resulting from diet-related conditions and disease continue to move in a concerning direction. The toll of diet-related chronic conditions is not distributed equally and is a result of a complex web of factors that also contribute to health disparities.

Studies have highlighted the many systemic barriers to healthy eating. For example:

Lack of necessary cookware or knowledge on how to prepare certain foods.
Poor-quality food at local stores that individuals do not feel safe consuming.
Insufficient time or energy to regularly prepare healthy meals.
Fear within communities that have been marginalized (e.g., LGBTQIA+ people, recent immigrants) of potential discrimination or rejection by state agencies and nonprofit organizations involved in food security programs.
Rising cost of living and stagnating wages can perpetuate food insecurity and exacerbate other barriers (e.g., transportation difficulties).
Potential barriers when redeeming vouchers for fruit and vegetable interventions (e.g., retailers not accepting vouchers) due to a lack of point-of-sale infrastructure.

These challenges highlight the importance of community- and society-level solutions when addressing nutrition inequities and chronic health conditions and are important to consider in design of FIM interventions.

Lived Experiences

Participant representation during FIM program design and implementation is an essential component to reflect back community needs and ensure successful program outcomes. FIM program administrators and physicians can also survey participants on challenges encountered when using FIM programs to identify barriers and personalize FIM interventions based on participant needs.

Best practices to collaborate with individuals with lived experience include:

Engage with trusted community leaders and organizations
Facilitate open forums with community members, such as listening sessions, focus groups, and individual assessments throughout program design, implementation, and evaluation
Evaluate the landscape of assets and barriers in the community
Establish communication channels that foster ongoing feedback and adaption to support longevity of programs
Compensate community members for their time and expertise

These practices should be applied when designing FIM interventions. It is important to establish a network of trusted community partners, especially those with lived experience and a deep understanding of the population served by the FIM intervention as well as the food landscape in which the program is implemented.

As the health care system shifts toward identifying and addressing individuals’ social risk factors, creating opportunities for organizations from different sectors to come together with a shared vision and collaborative approach that aligns to lived experience needs will facilitate better care coordination.

Cultural Sensitivity

Food is not merely a source of nutrients; it can be tied to personal, cultural, religious, racial, and political identities. Many cultures and populations have linked food with medicine for centuries, and the distinction between food and medicine varies between cultures and time periods.

Ensuring cultural sensitivity in FIM and food assistance programs remains a major challenge that can limit the effectiveness of these programs. Multiple authors have highlighted approaches for ensuring cultural sensitivity in FIM interventions, including the following:

Partnering with community-based organizations and participants during the design and implementation of FIM programs
Providing greater flexibility in FIM offerings and ways to access resources, including the option for vouchers rather than preset boxes or offerings at food pantries
Providing opportunities for communication and collaboration between program participants (e.g., trading recipes, tips, and other support)
Partnering with community champions to identify potential barriers and encourage FIM program use

See Resources

HHS resources have described qualities and actions that partners in different sectors contribute to help build a stronger, more integrated health and social care system that supports Food Is Medicine interventions.

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs in Communities Across the Nation

This call to action [PDF - 875 KB] complements the companion U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health, highlighting the critical need to develop well-coordinated health and social care systems to better address HRSNs, and describes actions the federal government is taking to promote this transformation.

Methods and Emerging Strategies to Engage People with Lived Experience

This brief identifies methods and emerging strategies [PDF - 1,489 KB] to engage people with lived experience in federal research, programming, and policymaking. It draws on lessons learned from federal initiatives across a range of human services areas to identify ways that federal staff can meaningfully and effectively engage people with lived experience.

Tips on Engaging Diverse Groups of External Partners

This tip sheet provides key considerations for how organizations can identify potential diverse external partners, conduct outreach to them, and build and sustain productive relationships with them.

Supporting Food and Nutrition Security through Healthcare

This resource summarizes the ways [PDF - 12.2 MB] in which health care systems, public health practitioners, and public health allies can partner to support food and nutrition security in their communities through programs, policies, and practices.

It is written through the lens of supporting actors to work together to address diet-related health disparities, including health care systems and payors, state health agencies, local health departments, and other public health allies such as universities, community-based organizations, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grantees.

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It's not JUST about Food...it's about JUSTICE