Food Insecurity and Fresh Produce Consumption in the South Bronx

The study "Food Insecurity and Fresh Produce Consumption in the South Bronx" focuses on enhancing access to fresh produce and supporting healthier eating habits in the community. By partnering with BronxWorks, the study leverages community strengths and local resources to promote sustainable changes in nutrition. Using a community-based participatory research approach, the project will assess the impact of fresh produce incentives on promoting healthier food choices through the BronxWorks Nutrition Incentive Program. This initiative aims to empower residents, contributing to improved well-being and long-term positive outcomes for the South Bronx.

Community Partner:

Project Team:

Mr. John Weed

Assistant Executive Director, BronxWorks | John Weed acquired his master's degree in Social Work at Hunter College School of Social Work. He is currently the Assistant Executive Director at BronxWorks and oversees the community programs. Mr. Weed is currently involved in many initiatives around childcare programs, immigration legal services, benefit programs, eviction prevention programs, and senior centers.

Dr. Sameena Azhar

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, Fordham University | Sameena V. Azhar received her Ph.D. in International Social Work at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Dr. Azhar is an Associate Professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. She has nearly two decades of clinical and research experience in the fields of mental health, addiction, and HIV care. Sameena is a licensed clinical social worker in California and Illinois.

Dr. Gregory Acevedo

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Social Work Fordham University | Greg Acevedo received his Ph.D. in Social Work at Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. He is an Associate Professor and BASW Program Director at Fordham University. Dr. Acevedo is participating in a two-year, grant-funded Participatory Action Research project investigating whether young Londoners receive the emotional support they need from their families in the current cost-of-living crisis.

Dr. Abigail Ross

Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine | Abigail M. Ross earned her Ph.D. in Social Work and Sociology at Boston University. Dr Ross is an applied researcher who conducts rigorous, community-partnered, translational research designed to yield sustainable, evidence-based practice improvements and significant, measurable organizational change. Broadly, her research program seeks to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that improve youth and family well-being in pediatric health settings and advance equity within youth-serving health systems.