The film Soul food Junkies written and produced by Byron Hurt gave insight into the values of soul food and what it meant to African Americans and other cultures who consumed it. Soul food for many in the film resembled unity, culture, family, and comfort. On the other hand, although Spanish food may not consist of the same ingredients it holds the same values. Like soul food, Spanish food is also high in fat and oils if not cooked in a healthy manner. One interesting topic mentioned in the film was the concept of food deserts. Based on food options around my community I could safely say we can be considered a food desert. Within the Middle Village area, there are no healthy food options within about a 3-5 block radius. The area is filled with KFC, Subways, Wendy’s, Pizza hut and delis. Restricting a community of healthy options refers back to one aspect of a social determinant of health within a community.
The two social determinants of health that are constantly mentioned in the documentary are food and education. In terms of education, older generations were taught how to eat, prepare and share soul food. These costumes were passed down to younger generations as a gift, yet those costumes as seen in the film are the cause of high blood pressure and diabetes. In our household, food is cooked differently than what the previous generation would prepare it. When my grandmother visits she observes our eating habits and wonders why aren’t we preparing our food like back home? Although my parents were taught to eat and prepare food in an unhealthy manner, they found better alternatives to prepare the same food we all love. These costumes implemented on us reflect on how the next generation eats and practices good eating habits.
Health Care Is Not A Privileged Its A Right! 
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