A grass roots group is to create a database on how to grow fresh food in a bid to promote a healthier and more self-sufficient population.

TeAnn Hassell, a professional chef and member of Social Justice Bermuda, said the group planned to have the site online by next week as a “living, breathing” resource that would be updated on a regular basis.

She was speaking after members of the group held talks with the Bermuda Health Council yesterday.

The one-hour talk, carried on Facebook, was titled “Real Talk on social disparities in healthy food”.

Taja Fox, the BHeC’s communications officer, spoke to Ms Hassell as well as Diamond Outerbridge, a teacher, and Toby Butterfield, a home gardener and antiracism activist.

Ms Hassell said there were “serious issues in Bermuda over quality healthy food, as well as affordable quality healthy food”.

Ms Butterfield said race was “absolutely a factor” in having access to fresh produce.

She added: “It’s an area where inequality is still present today as a result of generations of racial hierarchy in Bermuda.”

But Ms Butterfield said there was increased awareness of racial imbalance.

She added: “We’re not used to saying there is anything good about 2020, but there are some silver linings. There has been an unprecedented level of reflection among white folks.”

Ms Outerbridge said one of her former pupils had suffered from hunger problems after he became homeless, and that he ended up arrested for shoplifting food from a grocery store.

She added: “Because he was hungry that day and didn’t think there were options, he ended up on the wrong track. This is an issue that definitely impacts our young people and students.”

Ms Hassell said her own “health journey” had consisted of small steps to healthier eating habits.

Ms Outerbridge added the pandemic had come as an “eye-opener” for young people and underlined the island’s dependence on imported food,

She said more and more schools had created their own vegetable plots as a result.

Ms Outerbridge added: “A lot of our students are starting to realise the importance of growing your own vegetables and eating healthily.”

Ms Hassell said Social Justice Bermuda would soon launch its database with businesses, community programmes, contact details and tips to get the public gardening.

Ms Outerbridge told the public: “You don’t have to be an expert.

“Even if all you have to contribute is just a little time, I would encourage you to reach out to your local schools and offer your support.”