Birmingham, United States
The city of Birmingham, Alabama has a proud history as an industrial powerhouse and epicenter of the Civil Rights movement; but it has struggled to transition its economy and realize the Civil Rights leaders' vision of equal access and opportunity for all. As industries have shuttered and populations declined, neighborhoods have struggled to maintain essential services including supermarkets and access to affordable, healthy food options. Forty percent of Birmingham households are located within these "food deserts," a problem that is inextricably linked to the city's economic vitality and the health of the people who live in it. Mayor William Bell asked IBM to help devise a comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence and impact of these food deserts by viewing them as part of a larger system of community investment and economic growth.
Suzanne Wylie
Chief Executive, Belfast City Council
Councillor Nichola Mallon
Lord Mayor of Belfast
