Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc.’s Post

Farm-to-food-assistance equals an investment in local farming as much as food security.

Celebrate Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Month with Equity in Mind! It's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month! But for many communities, access to fresh produce remains a challenge. Let's acknowledge this disparity and focus on creating a more equitable food system. 🍎 Support local farmers markets: These markets often accept SNAP benefits (food stamps) and offer greater access to fresh produce in underserved communities. 🌱 Promote community gardens: Community gardens provide opportunities for people to grow their own food and create a stronger sense of community. 🥕 Invest in food literacy programs: These programs educate people about healthy eating choices and empower them to make informed decisions, regardless of income level. By working together, we can ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.  #FreshFruitAndVeggieMonth #FoodEquity #HealthEquity #DEI #CommunityGardens #FoodLiteracy

Things I love to do: * hang out in the kitchen creating tasty and healthy plant-based meals * reduce food waste by using up produce considered ‘past its best’ * bringing people together to experience and enjoy points 1&2 😆 Volunteering at Love Food CIC, the plant-based community food hub in Exeter definitely ticks all those boxes 😊 Their weekly community ‘pay what you can’ lunch uses up heaps of fresh produce including seasonal veg and bread destined for the bin and brings people of all ages and backgrounds together for a chat. Projects like this play such a positive role in the community for both human and planetary health. This week I made stir fried veggies with marinated tofu (collected from another community fridge with a tofu overload 😆) and peanut dressing with sourdough on the side followed by spiced rice pudding with mango, kiwi and clementines. Fortunately there’s some lovely other volunteers who help and do the washing up too 😅 I cook here once a month but lunch is every Thursday (not in half term). There’s also lots of different classes and events, all plant-based. Are you local to Exeter? Do check out Food Love CIC in Cowick St, especially if you’re looking for a fully vegan premises to hire for events or workshop. #plantbased #exeter #community #foodwaste

I have several reactions to the recent (and very important) Oregon State Policy Analysis Lab report that shows a 9.2% increase in food insecurity in Oregon over a period ending in 2023. 1. It underscores the 28% increase in meals served at Blanchet House & Farm in 2023 compared to 2022. 2. It underscores the record number of meals served at Blanchet House so far in 2024, up as much as 30% in some months compared to 2023. 3. The extraordinary increase of food insecurity in rural Oregon is important because as resource scarcity in those communities increases, people will seek resources in urban centers, which suggests greater numbers of people needing Blanchet House's services in 2025. We'll be ready! 4. Predicted cuts to SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill that will be passed by the new Congress will exacerbate the benefits cliff already affecting thousands of Oregonians, which will then further increase the need for Blanchet House's services in 2025. We'll be ready! 5. The projected increased need for food coupled with disruptions to the food chain that could result from labor impacts in agricultural and related sectors will require enhanced gleaning and food rescue efforts -- something Blanchet House is poised to do in support of our colleague food pantries and meal service organizations. We are ready to lead in 2025 to help meet the need for food in our community!

🌿 Small changes in how we care for soil can lead to big changes in food quality. With healthy soil and small space, you can produce food that is nutritious and can feed your family. Additionally, you will reduce expenditure on food and use the money to meet other needs. Utilize space wisely. Let's make a difference, one handful of soil at a time! #YourFarmersGuardian #SustainableFarming #SoilSolutions

Our CPG family is as innovative as it is kind. And with the fires in California affecting our entire LA community - from the farmers to the founders - it is inspiring to see so many food brands stepping up to support those affected. There are so many ways to help! 💜 Check out this article from SupplySide to learn how this disaster affects this industry and how you can make a difference. #lafires #cpgindustry #foodbrands

🍏 Nurturing Local Food Networks: Seacoast Eat Local 🍏 In our #GivingTuesday series, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Seacoast Eat Local, which is dedicated to strengthening the connection between local food producers and consumers in the Seacoast region. 🌟 Seacoast Eat Local operates with a powerful mission—to cultivate a thriving food economy by connecting regional food producers directly with consumers, thereby enriching the community's health, economy, and sustainability. Here are the core initiatives they champion: 🍅 Farmers Markets: Hosting both summer and winter markets, Seacoast Eat Local provides platforms for local farmers and producers to sell their goods directly to the community, fostering economic growth and accessibility to fresh, local produce. 💳 SNAP Incentives: By making local food markets accessible to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients and offering incentives that double the value of SNAP dollars spent on local produce, Seacoast Eat Local ensures healthy food is accessible to all, regardless of income. 📚 Seacoast Harvest: Their local food guide, Seacoast Harvest, provides invaluable information on where to find local farms, fisheries, and farmers’ markets, making it easier for consumers to support and connect with local food sources. Learn More About Their Mission: https://lnkd.in/eBS_Dazz #GivingTuesday #NonprofitSupport #SeacoastEatLocal #LocalFood #Sustainability #MakeADifference

As we continue supporting organizations that increase access to food for those who need it most within food banks, pantries and medically tailored meal services, we are also working with local nonprofits specializing in urban farming and educational resources to provide another path to food insecurity solutions. This emerging effort has shown us that it’s more than just increasing access to fruits and vegetables; it grows healthy habits and sustainable communities. Most recently, we supported Keep Growing Detroit and Harlem Grow as part of this new focus. Learn more about their efforts and our continued commitment to bolster organizations working to advance food insecurity solutions. https://bit.ly/3ziES2D

Last week Community Works Works held our Winter Food Network Meeting (with reps from foodbanks across Adur/Worthing). This session was hosted by at one of our member’s premises. The Gateway Hub in Fishersgate Southwick 🥰 Another eventful in-person networking opportunity for members to come together to share experiences and discuss the pressing challenges and indeed opportunities foodbanks are coming across in an environment where cost of living is rising. How do we balance stringent food standards with the urgent need to reduce food waste and support foodbanks meeting rising demand. And how can we empower Foodbanks by creating clearer guidelines for the donation of surplus food and improving logistics to bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity. We had the opportunity to tour their incredible facility including their cafe area. food pantry and storage and their shop ❤️. Of course, it won’t be a food network meeting without food and Jill and team at Gateway Hub delivered exceptionally with a festive spread of yummy nibbles.🥘🍛🥗🍝🧇 A huge thank you to all attending members for their insights and commitment to creating a sustainable food system. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💡 Looking forward to working with these incredible movers and shakers working to support vulnerable families and individuals across the area next year and if you have ideas or initiatives addressing food waste or food insecurity, we would love to connect and learn from you. Jess Estcourt Jess Sumner Sue Brown Iryna Tyazhkorob Mel Willson A.Khristina Mc Cormack #foodbanks #foodnetworks #communityfridge #foodpantry #Sustainability #FoodWaste #FoodSecurity #Collaboration #CommunityImpact

“If food is a right, then hunger is a crime.” - Farmer Samson Ogbole Food justice ensures that all people have equitable access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food, produced through environmentally sustainable and socially just methods. Imagine a large, bountiful garden with enough produce to feed an entire community. Food justice is like ensuring everyone in that community has a fair share of the harvest, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It means removing the fences and barriers that prevent some from accessing the garden and making sure the soil remains fertile and the workers are treated fairly. The term "food justice" was first coined in the 1980s by activists and scholars advocating for the rights of marginalized communities disproportionately affected by food insecurity and the industrial food system. This movement seeks to address the deep-rooted inequalities in our food system, from production and distribution to consumption and waste. Here’s what everyone can do to contribute to food justice: - Support Local Farmers and Markets: Buy from local producers to strengthen local economies and reduce carbon footprints. - Advocate for Policy Change: Get involved in local and national food policy discussions to support fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and equitable food access. -Volunteer and Donate: Support food banks, community kitchens, and organizations working towards food security in your area. - Educate and Raise Awareness: Share knowledge about food justice issues and solutions within your community to foster a collective effort towards change. - Grow Your Own Food: If possible, start a home or community garden to increase your self-reliance and share the bounty with others. By understanding and addressing the systemic barriers to food equity, we can all play a part in ensuring that everyone has the right to healthy, sustainable, and just food systems. Let's work together to turn the vision of food justice into a reality. #foodinsight #foodscience #foodtechnology #foodsecurity