peace by piece: food security in my community

2023 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) local nominees!

Mayor-Council-Commission celebrate local studentsRecognition of local students w/Mayor Pauly, City Council, Sister Cities Commission on July 24, 2023.

Beacon
Original music by Adwita Satapathy, 14-year-old student, Pine Lake Middle

Adwita states when there are different things thrown in our way, food is a given in our community. There is that steady beat to keep us safe and well. And, when our community realizes that we have everything we possibly need, we reach out and help those who need it. We share and we show our kindness because with food, we can be a beacon to others in need. 'Beacon' gives a feeling of safety as well as a sense of necessity. But most of all, there is a note of kindness.

Food Shortage During the Pandemic
Original Music by Anya Pimkina, 15-year-old student, Pacific Cascade Middle

Anya shares that the local food banks ran low on ingredients which led to many food shortages. This particularly impacted marginalized communities and low-income families. Imports of food from around the world decreased, reducing stock supply. Unfortunately, this culminated in starvation. The composition reflects on the struggles people were confronted with due to the pandemic. The repeating Rondo Form (ABACAD) highlights the constant obstacles people faced because of food shortages. The composition set in G minor is to express a melancholy mood. Thankfully, now, food bank suppliers have begun providing basic necessities, but the issue persists.

Food for Thought
Original Music by Angelina Pimkina, 18-year-old student at Lakeside

Angelina describes her piece as a contemporary, D major, piano composition in ternary form that follows the trajectory of the fluctuating food availability and food security in her local food bank. Frequent crescendos and decrescendos mirror the evolving nature of harvesting season, sustainability in the industry, and the market. Music is a powerful way to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage people to take action. Whether it's donating time or money to a local food bank, advocating for policy changes to address food insecurity, or simply being more mindful of food waste, we all have a role to play in ensuring that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Perspectives
Digital Art by Cora Chase, 13-year-old student, Pine Lake Middle

Digital Art Perspectives by Core ChaseCora describes her digital art as providing multiple perspectives on food insecurity; attempting to show the more glamorous side of those who aren't struggling, and the side of those who are.


Fighting With Action
Classic Art by Felicia Qiang, 15-year-old student, Pine Lake Middle

Classic Art Fighting with Action by Felicia Qiang

Felicia describes her art as demonstrating the various ways people in the community can help food security become a reality. Smart agriculture and solar panels on farmland significantly improve the amount of crops produced and create better working conditions for employees. Donating foods that are safe and edible or taking time to volunteer at a soup kitchen can reduce the number of hungry bellies in the community. Food waste is an important factor in food security. By composting food waste, one can create nutritious fertilizers to grow new crops. Also, more than 20% of produce is thrown away each year because of the looks of perfectly edible food. Grocery stores can sell these deformed foods for less money in order to prevent this type of waste as well as feed more people. Finally, the war in Ukraine is affecting food security. Many families in Ukraine are going hungry, and people in my community can all help by donating and sending food to them. Together, we should fight food insecurity with our actions—"peace by piece.”