Healthy Food and Health Equity: Nourishing West Lakes
Welcome to our series on Health Equity – the idea that every person should have a full and fair chance to be as healthy as possible. If you’re new to this series, we recommend clicking here to view the introduction.
Healthy neighborhoods are made up of healthy, thriving neighbors. When it comes to physical health, giving everyone a fair chance at flourishing starts long before the doctor's office. It often starts with food and fair, full access to nutritious, affordable fare. The Heart is revolutionizing access to nutritious meals in our quest for a healthier, more equitable future through one of our tenant partners, Legacy Café. We can't wait to invite you in!
How Nutritious Food Supports Health Equity
Health equity means more than medical care for everyone. It's about creating conditions that support all residents to achieve their best health. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental marker of health equity. A balanced and nourishing diet plays a key role in our physical wellbeing, affecting everything from energy levels to disease prevention. Food accessibility can also play a role in building community.
However, obtaining healthy food isn't a universal reality. Many communities, like West Lakes, face barriers that limit their access to fresh, nutritious options. Due to historic disinvestment, the 32805 ZIP Code is classified as a food desert, meaning there are few grocery store options in our area. The lack of options impacts residents, even though they have little control over the local grocers. If we want to ensure neighborhoods like West Lakes can be healthy, that means ensuring easy, affordable access to food that promotes overall wellbeing.
Legacy Café: The Heart's Commitment to Nutritious Food
From the beginning, the Heart was designed to be one answer to address food inequality in West Lakes. Having the Legacy Café is a key part of doing so. This local restaurant is where health-conscious and delicious meals are served at prices everyone can enjoy. The vision and soul behind the Legacy Café is to care for the local residents who visit.
When asked about their inspiration for the menu and decor, West Lakes residents shared how they wanted to create a living room feel. This cozy atmosphere is designed to make patrons feel welcome and cared for, like being at home. In response, the menu is crafted to offer a variety of fresh food options, catering to different tastes and preferences. The aim is to provide nourishing meals that contribute to overall wellbeing.
But Legacy Café isn't only about food; it's about fostering connections and building a sense of community. People walking into the Legacy Café are encouraged to gather, interact, and enjoy meals together. Co-owner Charles Simons remarked, "We want them to know they're cared for and have a variety of options." West Lakes residents can savor a nutritious lunch during appointments or unwind and connect with others.
A Call to Community: There’s a Place for You at The Heart
The Heart is more than a medical facility or a place to get a great meal—it's a hub of possibilities. The Legacy Café is at its core, welcoming everyone. Consider hosting your next meeting there or having them cater your upcoming event. By doing so, you support the health of West Lakes and contribute to the vision of health equity.
Join us for a tour to experience the Legacy Café! Step into West Lakes' living room where nutritious food meets resident connection, and where every person's wellbeing is valued and prioritized. At The Heart, there's a place for everyone to come together, nourish their bodies, and strengthen their bonds. We believe that by providing access to healthy food and creating spaces for interaction, we fortify a future where health equity becomes a reality.