Across America, the dinner table is becoming a battleground for survival.

More than 44 million Americans, including 13 million children, now face food insecurity—a reality made even more dire by recent SNAP benefit cuts and school meal rollbacks. But in the heart of North St. Louis County, a bold and inspiring movement is taking root, led by a powerhouse for justice and nourishment: Erica R. Williams, the founder and executive director of A Red Circle.

Her mission? To redefine food access as a civil right, not a privilege, and to champion community-powered solutions that uplift the most underserved neighborhoods—many of which are predominantly Black and brown.

“Access to fresh, healthy food is not a privilege—it’s a right,” says Williams. “When national systems fall short, local communities must lead.”

A Red Circle: Sowing Seeds of Equity and Empowerment

Founded to address racial and economic disparities in North St. Louis County, A Red Circle is more than a nonprofit—it's a food justice movement. The organization runs innovative, community-rooted initiatives that are directly combating hunger while creating pathways for economic development and cultural healing.

Key programs include:

Good Food Fridays – A weekly initiative providing fresh produce, nutrition education, and a sense of dignity for families caught in the SNAP gap.

People’s Harvest – A Black-led grocery and food production kitchen in development, designed to fight food deserts and support Black food entrepreneurs.

The Farmhouse – A vibrant teaching farm, justice hub, and agritourism site that offers workshops, youth internships, and farm-to-table lessons for a new generation of food advocates.

These are not just charity models—they're scalable blueprints that cities like Houston, with its own marginalized communities, can adapt and build upon.

The Policy Path Forward: 5 Urgent Recommendations

Williams recently co-authored a peer-reviewed policy brief in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, offering a data-backed roadmap to turn the tide on hunger:

Expand SNAP Access – Through broad-based categorical eligibility to ensure more families qualify.

Grow Double Up Food Bucks – So every SNAP dollar spent on produce is matched, making fruits and veggies affordable again.

Fund Local Food Infrastructure – From urban farms to cooperative grocers, investing in community-grown solutions.

Prioritize Nutrition Education – Equip families with the skills to shop smart, cook healthy, and build intergenerational wellness.

Ensure Fair Pay for Farmers – Promote equity-based pricing that sustains small and minority growers.

“It’s not just about food—it’s about belonging,” Williams adds. “Everyone deserves a seat at the table of good health and dignity.”

Why This Matters for Houston

Houston is no stranger to food insecurity, particularly in neighborhoods like Third Ward, Acres Homes, and Kashmere Gardens. Black-led organizations across the city are already doing the work—what’s needed now is collaboration, investment, and policy support to scale the impact.

As Texas wrestles with statewide SNAP cuts and inflation continues to squeeze working families, the leadership of changemakers like Erica R. Williams offers more than hope—it offers a roadmap to resilience.

Get Involved

Support A Red Circle’s mission or connect with Houston-based groups tackling food justice. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply sharing stories like this one, every action brings us one step closer to a healthier, more equitable future.

Policy brief just published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development: https://foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/1349

Website: https://www.aredcircle.org

About Erica R. Williams
Erica R. Williams is a nationally recognized community leader, featured in NPR, PBS, Fortune, and Rolling Stone. She holds degrees in Paralegal Studies and Business Administration and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Her work stands at the intersection of food, policy, and racial equity.