Icon of a plate with a fork, and a glass with a teardrop-shaped object, symbolizing food and drink.
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Nutrition & Clean Drinking Water

Neglect and profit-driven policies have left many marginalized communities without access to safe water and nutritious food, fueling chronic health issues and deepening inequities. Toxins like PFAS and lead in water threaten child development, while food deserts drive preventable illness like diabetes and heart disease. Algae blooms, when left untreated, further reduce quality of life.

We’re interested in helping utilities exceed water quality standards, partnering with corporate nonprofits to remove forever chemicals, and addressing algae infestations to ensure clean water and healthier communities for all.

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FAQ

  • It means ensuring that every person has access to safe, nutritious food and water that meets health standards. These basic needs are the foundation for a healthy life, economic opportunity, and breaking the cycle of poverty.

  • Adequate nutrition helps children grow, adults stay productive, and families thrive. Healthy diets not only improve individual well-being but also support stronger, more resilient communities.

  • Food deserts are areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food, often due to a lack of nearby grocery stores, farmers' markets, or healthy food retailers. These areas are typically found in low income urban neighborhoods or rural regions, where residents may rely on fast food or convenience stores with limited healthy options.

  • Clean water is essential for preventing disease, supporting daily activities, and maintaining health. When water is safe to drink, it reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and helps communities flourish.

  • PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are toxic substances that can contaminate our water supply. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, immune system problems, and hormone disruption. Ensuring our water is free from PFAS is critical to protecting community health.

  • Access to nutritious food and safe water empowers individuals to be active, healthy, and productive members of society. This, in turn, enables economic participation and long-term growth, providing a pathway out of poverty.

OurHealthEquity.org Our Health Equity: Issue Guide, addressed to state policymakers from the Domestic Policy Caucus, dated March 14, 2025, discussing problems of contaminated drinking water and access to nutritional food, with icons of a water drop with a line through it and a padlock with a fork and knife, and a call to action to learn more at OurHealthEquity.org.
Infographic about PFAS contamination and child care, showing the dangers of PFAS chemicals in the environment, especially for children, with statistics, quotes, and a no drinking water symbol.