Tennessee Voter Guide

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Mayor

  • Carnita Faye Atwater (N)
  • Jennings Bernard (N)
  • Floyd Bonner (N)
  • Joe Brown (N)
  • Karen Camper (N)
  • J.W. Gibson (N)
  • Reggie William Hall (N)
  • James M. Harvey (N)
  • Willie W. Herenton (N)
  • Michelle McKissack (N)
  • Brandon A. Price (N)
  • Justina Ragland (N)
  • Van Turner (N)
  • Derek Winn (N)
  • Paul A. Young (N)
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Access to Healthy Foods

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer and that where you live should not determine if you live. Given that lack of access to healthy foods, for example fresh fruits and vegetables, increases the risk of many chronic diseases including cancer, in what ways would you utilize your position as mayor to improve access to healthy foods for Memphians, especially vulnerable communities and families?

Carnita Faye Atwater

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Jennings Bernard

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Floyd Bonner

Yes

Joe Brown

Yes

I have heard the words: “You have Cancer …” [I am thankful to West Cancer (Clinic) & my fine doctors & their medical staff] To provide the financial basis for health reform … I intend to take City Employee Medical Insurance Group Plans & expand them into very large Group Plans that non-employee residents can join to acquire effective medical insurance & access (through buy-in or trade-in of existing policies) This will expand available services & reduce costs through the effects of scale This ought help along with funding that will be freed up through ending corruption There’s entirely too little being done in this City to broaden access to a healthy life & lifestyle

Karen Camper

Yes

As Mayor of Memphis, I would work to create public private partnerships to create pop up grocery markets in areas where there are food deserts. This will allow residents to have access to fresh produce and healthier options at affordable prices for their families. Alongside this effort, my economic development team will be working to attract national grocery chains to locate into these areas where there are a lack of options for citizens. A major hurdle will be ensuring that low income individuals have the money to purchase groceries. Many residents may not know that they qualify for government assistance with food security. At the pop up market places, we would install a kiosk where residents could enter their information and find out what benefits they qualify for and can enroll on site with the help of an administrator who will be present.

J.W. Gibson

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Reggie William Hall

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

James M. Harvey

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Willie W. Herenton

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Michelle McKissack

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Brandon A. Price

Yes

I want to develop food forest around the city, so that people can access fresh food more easily. Planting certain plants and working with mycelium networks can help clean toxins from ground soil and help eliminate micro plastics and pesticides from our local water cycle. There are large portions of the city that are surrounded by food deserts and are heavily polluted. If we stated planning city around fixing these problems instead around vehicle ownership then the rate of cancer in the community would go down.

Justina Ragland

Yes

Our connections through my community association plans will help to connect the missing links. I will think there are a lot of nonprofit organizations and corporate organizations, along with government that are supporter of this. I think we need to restructure some things in our communications and communities.

Van Turner

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Derek Winn

Yes

Paul A. Young

Yes

I recognize the critical link between access to healthy foods and preventing chronic diseases, including cancer. Creating increased health equity for all residents, regardless of their zip code, is a top priority in my vision for Memphis. To improve access to healthy foods, particularly in vulnerable communities, I would pursue several initiatives: Expand Farmers Markets and Community Gardens: I would work to expand farmers markets in underserved neighborhoods and promote community gardens to provide residents with affordable access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Grocery Store Development: I would incentivize the development of grocery stores in food deserts, offering tax incentives or grants to attract businesses that commit to providing fresh, affordable produce to local residents. Public Transportation: Improving public connectivity to grocery stores and markets is essential. I'd invest in enhanced public transportation options, making it easier for residents across Memphis to access healthier food options. Community Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are crucial. These programs can teach residents about the importance of a balanced diet, nutrition, and cooking skills, empowering them to make healthier choices. Food Assistance Programs: I'd support and expand programs that provide food assistance to vulnerable families, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. Collaboration: Collaboration with community organizations, non-profits, and local businesses would be central to these efforts. Together, we can create a comprehensive strategy to address this issue effectively. Improving access to healthy foods isn't just about preventing cancer; it's about enhancing the overall health and quality of life for our residents.

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Partnering with Community Organizations

If elected mayor, will you commit to partnering with community organizations to help address food insecurity in Memphis?

Carnita Faye Atwater

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Jennings Bernard

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Floyd Bonner

Yes

Joe Brown

Yes

Roger that: there is no reason that health can’t be subsidized instead of the acquisition of illicit wealth by favored interests as the City is doing now I intend to see that this inequity is ended

Karen Camper

Yes

Memphis works best when we are all working together and driving towards the same goals. I will encourage my administration to seek out and identify the organizations doing the work to prevent food insecurity and to integrate them into an overall strategic plan in which they will share their input and expertise to build out a procurement and delivery system to provide food throughout our city.

J.W. Gibson

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Reggie William Hall

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

James M. Harvey

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Willie W. Herenton

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Michelle McKissack

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Brandon A. Price

Yes

Yes I would.

Justina Ragland

Yes

One of the ugly side of life, is cancer. It effects all of us one way or another. Whether its through a loved one, friend or our own personal journey. It does care who you are or where you live. It doesn't matter what ethnicity you are. It does not matter what belief you believe. It doesn't care what political party you chose. One thing we can all agree on is. We hate cancer. If we all need to stand and fight cancer together. I will help to make healthier foods access, in all communities. I will work with all store food change, farmer markets, farmers and community gardens. To bridge the gap. No one in Memphis should go without having access, to healthier choices.

Van Turner

This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.

Derek Winn

No

Paul A. Young

Yes

Absolutely, I strongly support partnering with community organizations to address food insecurity in Memphis. Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects the overall well-being of our residents, and it demands a collective effort to find sustainable solutions.

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This candidate has not yet responded to the ACS CAN questionnaire.