Typically, when we speak about health equity, the conversation focuses on access to education, healthcare and healthy food choices. As an agency committed to working with communities and populations that are often unseen and unheard, Denver Food Rescue recognizes that health equity must also include safety.?

Health equity cannot happen without racial equity and safety.?

Safety is a fundamental right that all people deserve. Our communities are up in arms about the most recent tragedy of yet another Black man, this time George Floyd, killed by the police. The names of those victimized, traumatized and killed by police brutality change, but the detrimental impact of systematic racism on Black and Brown communities remains.??

The physical toil, mental turmoil, emotional flagellation and justification of centuries of systematic racism has accumulated and the results are in?people all over the world are TIRED OF IT!? Denver Food Rescue stands beside and marches with our Black and Brown brothers and sisters against the system that condones racial profiling, police brutality, discrimination, violence, oppression and inequity.?

We recognize that racism is a public health issue and that it is not enough for Denver Food Rescue to simply ?not be racist?, to ?not be oppressive,? and to silently stand by as our Black and Brown brothers and sisters continue to be devalued. We are anti-racist and anti-oppressive.?

We see the impact, share the pain and are committed to continuing to stand up and speak out against inequity.?

Our organizational structure is designed to combat the systemic injustices our Black and Brown communities are impacted by the most. The Denver Food Rescue board of directors is 100% members from the communities we serve to ensure that before we do anything, we first listen and engage our diverse communities in an inclusive way. Our staff and leadership are also focused on engaging people with lived experience to lead health equity work in their communities.?

To further produce health equity, eradicate unjust systems and continue to uplift the voices of those experiencing marginalization, our staff and partners are attending protests, sharing local information, and reposting content to amplify Black and Brown voices.?

We are humbled and proud? to see that people are no longer willing to remain silent or look the other way. If you are looking for ways to help, here are some ideas (please note that not everyone helps in the same way, we each need to use our unique skills, strengths, and platforms to make real change):

• Advocate for policy changes through calling legislators and exercising your right to vote
• Donate to causes led by Black and Brown people supporting systematic changes
• Repost resources and content from those oppressed, saving hashtags like #blacklivesmatter for those providing specific information and resources related to protests
• Educate yourself and reflect on your own racial biases
• Talk with your family and community members about racism and racial prejudices

With community, in solidarity!?

Denver Food Rescue