Food-care-work. Understanding the nexus between care work and food security work

• In Event: Open Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 19: Nonprofits and Civil Society

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate relationship between care work and food security, viewing food-related activities from meal preparation to governmental food policy—as a core component of care. Drawing upon Latin American precedents where care has been established as a human right—encompassing the rights to give, receive, and self-care and the duty of the state and market to take responsibility over it — the aim of this investigation is to deepen understanding of this nexus. It explores the social organization and the ways we “do” food-care-work at a societal level to support everyday social reproduction. By working with Latinx community living in North Denver Colorado neighborhoods, an area identified as both a superfund site and a food desert, the research examines: 1) the care labor performed by Latinx households in all feeding-related tasks, with a specific focus on immigrant women's experiences; 2) the neighborhood’s community organization initiatives creating better food security conditions for everyone ; and 3) the role of state and market mechanisms in upholding, or failing to uphold, food security and care as human rights. A key objective is to understand the gaps, opportunities and challenges care and food related policy have in the 'defamilialization' of food-care responsibilities, thereby alleviating the burden predominantly borne by women. Additionally, it applies insights from Latin American advancements in care policy systems to propose strategies for US municipal governments, particularly those with significant food-insecure populations, to formulate enhanced food access policies and programs grounded in a care perspective.

Author

• Milagro Nunez-Solis, Colorado State University