We should all be concerned about the future of food in the US, not to mention locally here in Buffalo. Thankfully, there are a number of local organizations that are looking out for us. These groups want to ensure that we all have access to quality, healthy foods. It’s part of a growing call to action know as People’s Food Movement. This Saturday, these entities will come together to engage the community in a free public event that aims to steer the issues of food access and food policy.
Among food policy advocates, ‘good food’ is generally recognized as being nutritious, grown sustainably, and produced with fair labor.
The event will start off with a showcase meal that demonstrates the wholesome effectiveness of serving Farm to School menu items. The food service will be orchestrated by Buffalo Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Services. Following the light meal, participants will engage in an interactive education and advocacy session, which will demonstrate the following:
- How to implement an urban growers policy in the City of Buffalo (Food Policy Council for Buffalo and Erie County)
- How to bring a Good Food Purchasing Program to Buffalo institutions (Grassroots Gardens WNY and Massachusetts Avenue Project)
- How to support sustainable agriculture through an “organic action plan” (Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York)
- How to support a regional network of black growers (African Heritage Food Co-op and Massachusetts Avenue Project)
The People’s Food Movement hopes that everyone who participates comes away with numerous lessons about the benefits of wholesome, regionally sourced foods, as they pertain to our children and their schools. The group also asks that participants share their own thoughts and stories about their concerns regarding food issues in the schools.
This is a conversation that is still relatively new in the educational environment. Let’s come together to creatively elevate the healthy food experience that should be a given right to all Buffalo youth.
Event co-hosts:
African Heritage Food Co-op; Crossroads Collective; Food Policy Council of Buffalo & Erie County; Grassroots Gardens WNY; Massachusetts Avenue Project; UB Food Systems Planning and Healthy Communities Lab
Event sponsors:
AARP, Inc.; Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.; Delavan Grider Community Center; Field & Fork Network; Food Bank of Western New York; Food for All; Mobile Safety Net Team; Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group; Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York; Western New York Environmental Alliance
Find this event online:
- Pre-register at http://bit.ly/2o8vWCW
- On Facebook at http://bit.ly/2o8J5vN
- More information at www.mass-ave.org
What: The People’s Food Movement
When: Saturday, April 8, 2107 | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave, Buffalo
Hosted by African Heritage Food Co-op