Food Justice: Join the conversation!

As we discussed last week during a visit from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, food insecurity is a complex problem with no easy solutions.

We firmly believe, though, that Bread for the City can be part of those solutions in more ways than one. Not only do we provide food for the hungry on a daily basis, but our nutrition classes and rooftop garden projects are creating healthy, nourishing, and green community within and around our walls.

Yet, there are significant challenges in our food system that can’t be solved by staff and clients alone. That’s why we’re working with partner organizations, coalitions, concerned individuals, policy experts, the faith community, school advocates, businesses, urban and rural farmers, and relevant D.C. government agencies, to build what we’re calling a food systems network. A food systems network will facilitate collaboration across the food system in order to enact policies and projects that ensure that all D.C. residents have access to healthy and affordable food. We need your input to determine what that looks like.

Want to help promote a healthier and more just food system across the city? Want to get involved in organizing for food justice in D.C.? Here are two opportunities:

Community Brainstorm: Building a More Food Just DC
Saturday, May 7th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
New Community Church Sanctuary (614 S st. NW)

ONE DC, Common Good City Farm, and Bread for the City are co-hosting another brainstorm session for the Shaw neighborhood working toward building a food systems network for the District. We’ll be asking - what would it look like if all residents had access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food? How can we work together to make a positive change? What options exist already for improving access to healthy, affordable food in the Shaw neighborhood?
Food and childcare will be provided. Call 202-232-2915 for childcare.

A Community of Gardeners: Film Screening & Discussion
Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 - 8 pm
Bread for the City NW (1525 Seventh Street)

Join Bread for the City and the DC Field to Fork Network for a screening of the new documentary A Community of Gardeners and a discussion about getting more gardens growing in the District. A Community of Gardeners explores the vital role of seven community gardens in Washington, D.C. and shows how these green spaces are changing people’s lives, their communities and their environment.

The discussion will include filmmaker Cintia Cabib, Dennis Chestnut of Groundwork Anacostia, and the Neighborhood Farm Initiative, which will present its brand new Guide to Starting Community Gardens in D.C. Refreshments and a tour of the rooftop garden will begin at 5:30.

For more information about either of these events, or to RSVP, please contact Allison at aburket@breadforthecity.org or (202) 386-7006.