Student Spotlight: Bridging the nutrition gap

Compounding the technological hurdle is the reduction in the SNAP allotment, or the amount of benefits people receive. Azia also noted that the Pandemic Electronics Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program, which extended supplementary aid to many families, concluded its operation in March. “SNAP benefits for many people fell significantly,” she said. “This reduction has put a strain on people, and many are now relying on food pantries for additional resources since their SNAP allotments have been stretched to the limit.”

While pursuing her undergraduate studies at Providence College, Azia opted for a concentration in health policy and management. “It seemed like a good fit at the time,” she said. “But as I got deeper into my studies, I realized it was more focused on the business administration side of health policy and lacked the interpersonal aspect I was seeking.” Yet, her minor in public and community health services showed her another way. “It allowed me to engage in hands-on, face-to-face volunteer work,” she said. “During that time, I was introduced to the concept of social determinants of health and became committed to addressing health equity and disparities.”

As graduation approached, Azia’s interests became clear. “Health policy and management ultimately led me to the realization that public health was what I really wanted to do,” she said. “It helped me realize how important social determinants of health and health equity are to communities.”

Azia is a member of the very first cohort of Rhode Island Scholars in the Health Equity Scholars program. These scholarships are awarded to R.I. residents accepted to Brown’s MPH program who agree to remain in the state to conduct public health work after graduation. When she joined Brown for her MPH, Azia saw the opportunity to learn public health while engaging in field work and research.

“For me, the decision to focus on Providence was a natural one,” she said. “I was born and raised here and attended school here, so I have a lifelong connection to the city.” 

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Providence and Azia feels a call to address this problem. “Good nutrition is essential for overall health,” she said. “Many neighborhoods in Providence lack access to fresh and affordable produce and this exacerbates the health challenges many people face. The convenience of cheap and processed food in ‘obesogenic environments’ can lead to chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, those in poverty often have limited choices and may experience long-term health consequences.”

Azia underscores that children bear a substantial brunt of food insecurity, and early-life experiences can have far-reaching implications for their health. “Core cities in Rhode Island often have high rates of child poverty, which correlates with food insecurity and other health challenges,” she said. “I find it sad that circumstances beyond their control can shape the trajectory of childrens’ health and future.”

By focusing her efforts in Providence, Azia hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity and related health challenges. “My goal is to contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and its associated health outcomes, particularly for children, by addressing the root causes and providing support through community-based interventions,” she said. 

Post-graduation, Azia envisions a career in research and program development. “I’m interested in creating programs that connect people to the resources they need,” she said. “I enjoy solving problems and finding solutions that simplify processes and make it easier for people to access essential services. I want to be involved in designing and implementing programs that address real-life challenges.”