On March 21, 2023, USDA partnered with Texas A&M International University and Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture in Laredo, Texas to hold a community engagement event focused on food, nutrition, and diet-related health disparities in Hispanic communities. The event was attended by more than 120 community members who surfaced numerous issues that need addressed to help ensure food and nutrition security for all, as well as opportunities that can be leveraged to help accelerate progress towards these goals. Provided below are a summary report and Stories for Better Health, which are short video segments where community members share their lived experiences around food, nutrition, and health. Also included are images from the event and links for organizations that participated in a “Share Fair”, which provided information on Federal and local nutrition programs, healthy eating, and relevant community activities.
Summary Report
This report summarizes community member perspectives on food and nutrition-related challenges and opportunities in Hispanic communities, particularly in the Laredo area. We encourage the usage of this information in future reports, grant proposals, and other efforts that aim to improve the health and well-being of communities, particularly for Hispanic Americans.
Stories for Better Health
Images from the Event
Share Fair Participants
Catholic Charities Diocese of Laredo
City of Laredo Health Department
Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center
Mission of Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability (LCUAS)
Regional Food Bank: South Texas Food Bank
Texas A&M AgriLife – Better Living for Texans (BLT)
Texas A&M AgriLife – Family and Community Health
Texas A&M International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Texas A&M University – Colonias Program
USDA ARS, Human Nutrition Research Centers