Food Service: Cultivating Food Equity & Resilience in the Heart of Ivy City

Food is fuel for the body and mind, a bridge for social connection and a lens into culture and identity. Despite the nation's affluence, a significant percentage of the population still struggle to access consistent and nutritious meals. The relationships that people experience with food tie into and reflect the greater social, economic, political and environmental values of those in charge. Ivy City, a small triangular neighborhood located in a heavily industrial area of DC, and its community have been largely neglected and disinvested in for decades. This thesis investigates how food infrastructure can address food inequity, while strengthening community identity, ownership and wellness in Ivy City.