💵 IMSPARK: Prosperity’s Tide in the Pacific💵

💵 Imagine... Prosperity’s Tide in the Pacific💵 

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where no island is an island in poverty, and every community thrives with equitable opportunities and shared prosperity.

🔗 Link: 

Global Poverty Update

📚 Source: 

World Bank. (2024). March 2024 global poverty update from the World Bank: first estimates of global poverty until 2022 from survey data. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/march-2024-global-poverty-update-from-the-world-bank–first-esti

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The World Bank's update on global poverty is not just a report but a compelling and urgent call to action for the Pacific region🌊 . The relentless waves of economic challenges, exacerbated by geographical isolation, have left Pacific communities 🏠 grappling with poverty. The report's findings underscore the immediate and pressing need for targeted interventions to lift these communities out of poverty and into sustainable prosperity🌱. 

It's about more than just numbers; it's about people. It's about ensuring that the children in the Pacific have access to education📘 , that families have food security🍲, and that communities are resilient in the face of economic and environmental challenges. The big deal is the potential for transformative change. By leveraging technology, fostering regional cooperation🤝, and promoting inclusive economic policies, the Pacific can navigate towards a future where poverty is a relic of the past. In this future, every individual's contribution is valued and integral to the region's growth and prosperity.

 

#PacificProsperity, #EndPoverty, #SustainableGrowth, #CommunityEmpowerment, #EconomicResilience, #EducationForAll, #FoodSecurity, #IMSPARK, #GlobalLeadership,

🛰️IMSPARK: Resilience: SERVIR’s Role in Pacific Prosperity🛰️

🛰️Imagine Resilience: SERVIR’s Role in Pacific Prosperity🛰️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region empowered by SERVIR’s satellite data, where communities proactively address climate change, enhance food and water security, and manage natural resources sustainably.

🔗 Link: 

SERVIR Global’s Impact in the Pacific

📚 Source: 

SERVIR Global. (2024). Connecting Space to Village: SERVIR’s Impact on Pacific Communities. Retrieved from servirglobal.net

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

In the Pacific, where climate change poses a significant threat, SERVIR Global’s partnership between🌐NASA and USAID is a game-changer. By providing access to advanced satellite data and analysis, SERVIR enables local leaders to make informed decisions on climate resilience🌡️, food and water security💧, and ecosystem management. This initiative not only supports sustainable development🌱but also strengthens the region’s ability to predict and prepare for natural disasters, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for Pacific communities

#SERVIR, #ClimateResilience, #sustainabledevelopment, #SatelliteData, #FoodSecurity, #EcosystemManagement, #PacificProsperity, #IMSPARK,

⚕️ IMSPARK: Resilient and Healthy Pacific in the Face of Climate Change⚕️

⚕️ Imagine... Resilient and Healthy Pacific in the Face of Climate Change⚕️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

In the next 3-5 years, the Pacific region will strengthen its capacity to cope with the health impacts of climate change, such as heat stress, vector-borne diseases, mental health issues, and food insecurity. 

🔗Link: 

Ref Here

📚Source: 

HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. (2024, February). Climate and Health Outlook. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, such as early warning systems, disaster preparedness, renewable energy, ⚡️and community engagement, the Pacific region will protect the health and well-being of its people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. 🌡️Climate change threatens health in the Pacific region, home to diverse cultures, ecosystems, and economies. 

The Pacific region is highly exposed to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching.🌊 These hazards can affect the availability and quality of water, food, and air, as well as the spread of infectious diseases and the population’s mental health.🌺The Pacific region also faces health inequities and environmental injustices, as some groups, such as indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and coastal dwellers, are more vulnerable and have less access to health care and social services. 🏥The Pacific region has the opportunity and responsibility to address these challenges and ensure a resilient and healthy future for its people and the planet.

#ClimateChange,#HealthEquity, #Resilience,#DiseaseControl,#FoodSecurity,#IMSPARK,

🍽️ IMSPARK: No Plate Left Behind: A Response to Military Families and Food Insecurity 🍽️

 🍽️ Imagine... No Plate Left Behind: A Response to Military Families and Food Insecurity  🍽️

💡 Imagined Endstate:  

The “No Plate Left Behind” program initiated by Navy Federal Credit Union  and Feeding America 🇺🇸, aims to address food insecurity among military families and veterans, offering a platform for individuals to virtually donate meals to those in need.

📚 Source: 

Alwine, R. (2023). No Plate Left Behind: A Response to Military Families and Food Insecurity. Military.com. 

🔗 Link: 

[URL here] 

💥 What's the Big Deal: 

Food insecurity affects one in six military and veteran families 🇺🇸, with over 1.4 million veterans currently experiencing food insecurity 🍎. The “No Plate Left Behind” program provides a way for the military community to support those in need 🤝. By raising awareness 📣 and facilitating meal donations 💰, this initiative strives to alleviate hunger and enhance the well-being of military families and veterans. Join Navy Federal Credit Union and Feeding America in making a difference by virtually filling a plate and donating to help combat food insecurity 🙏.

#FoodSecurity,#CreditUnions,#Veterans,#militaryfamilies,#IMSPARK, 

💪 IMSPARK: Empowering Pacific Health: With Programs like Food is Medicine Initiative 💪

 💪 Imagine...Empowering Pacific Health: With Programs like Food is Medicine Initiative 💪

        💡 Imagined Endstate:

Envision a future where every Pacific Islander, irrespective of income, can access nutritious food as easily as they would any medication, leading to improved health and reduced healthcare costs.

        📚 Source:

The Rockefeller Foundation. (2023). Food is Medicine. The Rockefeller Foundation.

        🔗 Link: 

https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/initiative/food-is-medicine/

💥 What's the Big Deal:

The Rockefeller Foundation is pioneering a movement to integrate food and nutrition 👶 into the healthcare systems of undernourished countries. 🌴 By doing so, they aim to combat diet-related diseases, lower healthcare costs, 💰 and enhance the overall well-being of Pacific Islanders. 📣 Discover more about their Food is Medicine initiative, 🏥where food becomes a prescription for better health and a brighter future. 

#FoodSecurity,#Nutrition,#Inclusion,#FoodisMedicine,#PacificIslands,#IMSPARK, 

🌊 IMSPARK: Pacific Economies are seen as dynamic and valued globally. 🌊

🌊 Imagine... Pacific Economies are seen as dynamic and valued globally. 🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate:

🌊 Imagine a future where the Pacific harnesses its organic assets, depicted by 🌱science and global warming, 🎭culture and maritime legacy, and 🐟contribution to the world's food sources, to counter economic projections and emerge as a dynamic and globally valued region.

🔗 Link:

Visual Capitalist - Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075)

📚 Source:

Lu, M. (2023, July 21). Ranked: The Top Economies in the World (1980‒2075). Visual Capitalist.

💥What's the Big Deal:

🌏 Beyond economic rankings, the Pacific possesses invaluable organic assets. 🌊 Its pioneering contributions to scientific research, depicted by 🌱 marine biology and climate studies, are vital for understanding and combating global warming. 🎭 The region's rich cultural heritage, symbolized by 🎨 indigenous art, promotes global diversity and sustainable living. 🚢 With a maritime legacy, , the ⚓Pacific fosters cross-cultural exchange. 🐟 Its oversight of its marine resources and sustainable fishing, contribute to the global food security. By embracing these organic assets, the Pacific can redefine its global influence, becoming a beacon of sustainability, cultural preservation, and scientific advancement, thus reshaping the world's perception of economic strength.

#PacificIslands,  #MaritimeLegacy, #Culture,  #PacificDiversity,#FoodSecurity, #ClimateChange, 

🌟IMSPARK: Transforming Health and Well-being in Hawaii🌟

🌟Imagine: Transforming Health and Well-being in Hawaii🌟

🌟 Imagined Endstate:

Improved well-being and resilience through targeted interventions addressing economic stability, housing security, and equitable healthcare access.

🔗 Link:                         

https://uhero.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ShapingHealthInHawaii.pdf

📚 Source:

UHERO. (2023). UHERO Rapid Health Survey: Mental Health, Food Security, and Socio-Economic Determinants in Hawaii. 🌍

💡 What's the Big Deal:

🔍 The UHERO Rapid Health Survey sheds light on the links between mental health, food security, and socio-economic determinants in Hawaii.🚀 It reveals that while over 70% of participants rate their health as good to excellent, disparities exist based on socio-economic and demographic factors, particularly among Native Hawaiians and Filipinos. 😔 Barriers to accessing healthcare, including delays in general practitioner visits, dental care, specialty services, and mental healthcare, further hinder well-being. ⏳The survey also uncovers a prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation, highlighting the impact of unemployment, COVID-19, housing instability, and poverty.

 

#Economics,#Socio-EconomicDeterminant,#FoodSecurity,#HealthAccess,

IMOA: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

 Imagine Pacific Original Article (IMOA)

Title: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

By James E. Faumuina

7/19/2023

The decision to close two major grocery stores in Waipahu town conveniently in front of two rail stations may have been made by the Honolulu City Council with a sense of indifference[1]. Maybe they believed the community would not complain, given their prior endurance of the rail construction and acceptance of issues like exposure to Heptachlor from the plantation. The closure of the remaining affordable sources of food in the town feels like yet another blow to a community raised on the belief that the company store would provide. It is almost as if they assumed the people of Waipahu were accustomed to such treatment.

Perhaps the council and developers believed that since Waipahu's poverty rate hovers around 9.5%, dangerously close to the worst quadrant of poverty according to the US Census, any gesture resembling economic development would be appreciated by the community[2]. It may not be arrogance, but rather a well-intentioned attempt to offer a helping hand. However, this raises an important question: Is this gesture truly a hand extended in support, or is it the developers raising their palms in a stopping motion?

If we accept the notion that these changes are for the community's own good, then the lack of Section 8 housing, the homelessness around Hans L'orange Park, and the infamous stories about Pupu streets may all resurface with renewed vigor under the guise of community development. My concern is the promised growth and economic revival unfortunately will begin with literal sweeping changes being made starting with the current residents being replaced.

I am intimately familiar with the area. My family moved there in 1982, and we were among the first to settle in Village Park (then Herbert Horita) Homes. Waipahu holds formative memories for me, from attending Saint Joseph's church to shopping at the Old Safeway, and even working at Blockbusters. I eventually was hired by the Leeward YMCA, as its Executive Director during the renovation of the old Sugarmill. While others may claim deeper roots, anyone from Waipahu shares a common bond with its unique sense of place, whether it's shopping at the Old Arakawa's or having breakfast at Rocky's.

In "Poverty in America," Matthew Desmond asked: "Who really benefits?" It is true, in Waipahu, some people live in poverty. Unfortunately, society holds beliefs about those in poverty, assuming laziness or lack of motivation. We tend to believe that being poor is a choice, contrasting it with success as if it were easily attainable for everyone. However, the reality is that anyone can spiral into poverty due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family deaths, accidents, lost businesses, missed paychecks, or even a DUI. No community is immune, but Waipahu has its share of challenges.

It takes sober eyes to recognize that "affordable" housing alone cannot be seen as a solution to ending poverty and perpetuating community development. There must be compensatory measures and community trade-offs in place, ensuring that when something is taken away, something of equal or greater value is given in return. The current messaging and proposed alternatives feel unbalanced. Unless you are among the "benefiting" group mentioned by Desmond, congratulations, I guess you are getting what you wanted.

The rail was offered to improve the quality of life for residents. However, it’s apparent we must be on guard against developments that create gentrification, with development at the expense of displacing residents or removing community assets without providing suitable replacements. If the council is genuinely committed to Waipahu’s development, they must prioritize and consider who will truly benefit from this proposal.

Key Words: #gentrification, #SocialJustice, #FoodSecurity, FoodDesert, #GenerationalPoverty,

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[1] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/06/23/2-popular-grocery-stores-waipahu-preparing-close-their-doors/

2] https://www.hawaiihealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=240&periodId=9907&localeId=160463