Black History Month Pop Up Dinner: bright spot in a tough year.
As the Sandhill Cranes return to the prairie, they remind us that it is time to reflect on another year past and what our future holds. Their arrival seems even more poignant as we approach the end of what may be one of the most difficult years in memory. Like so many in our community, our team has navigated loss, disappointment, and crisis, but as we look to the future, we see better days ahead.
We know that it is going to take even more creativity, collaboration, and dedication to reimagine what our community food system can become. As we recover from Covid-19, consider climate change and threats yet to come, and think about how we weave equity into the fabric of our economy and our community, we know that local food security and justice are more important than ever. Three words resound in the trill call of the cranes that have faced unbelievable challenges to trek thousands of miles to join us – relief, recovery, and resilience. These words are in our hearts and will remain a guidepost for us as we look to the future.
RELIEF
Starting in March, Working Food implemented a meal relief program that has provided over 15,000 locally sourced, nutritious and delicious meals for our neighbors in need. Recognizing the acute and sudden food insecurity related to Covid-19, we partnered with Rotary of Gainesville, University of Florida, the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, and numerous private donors to make this
Getting local food on the table
project possible. Chef Bert Gill of Mildred’s Big City Food and front-line service agencies worked to build this program from a 6-week emergency response to an effort that will run through the end of 2020. Since the funding was locally invested, the magnifier on the community’s investment is approximately 80%, with over $125,000 reinvested into our economy. The social return for those needing these services is beyond measure.
We scaled up our offering of seeds and plants to meet the rising demand from home-bound families, with the realization that food security was uncertain and gardening offered respite and nourishment. We implemented a drive through farmers market, providing safe access to local food throughout the spring and summer, that continues today at a smaller scale as other markets have re-opened. We adapted our youth programming to stay connected with our children and partners as best as possible in the height of a pandemic. Our education programs went online for the first time, and were a great success thanks to our dedicated staff who acted quickly to pivot and community partners that joined, making the content effective, fun and poignant, amidst such a challenging time.
RECOVERY
Working Food recognizes that local recovery will take commitment and creativity. The path to equity and justice starts with listening and understanding, and continues with reinvention. We have revised our strategic plan in anticipation of the adaptation that will be required. We are re-evaluating our Culinary Program, with improved understanding of the elements necessary to build a strong local food economy. We have redesigned our Youth Program to be responsive to the needs of the community. We have continued investment in our Seed Collective because now – more than ever – access to locally adapted seed stocks are critical to a healthy and food secure future.
Helping young explorers stay curious about their world during a pandemic.
RESILIENCE
At Working Food, we believe that adaptation is the foundation of resilience. Climate change will profoundly affect the productivity of farming. Local seed production improves the ability of crops to adapt to changing conditions, improving productivity. In 2021, Working Food will recommit to our local seed program, and are pursuing Federal grant support to expand on current partnerships with local seed producers and regional partners. Our partnership with Grow Hub will strengthen and expand. But seed work will not be enough. Working Food intends, through its Youth Programs and other new partnerships, to fundamentally expand and improve the community’s relationship with local food producers. While this is not an easy road, we believe that recent and current events have resulted in new opportunities for positive change, and we are poised to engage.
We thank you for helping us accomplish so much in spite of adversity and invite you to join us in looking forward to better days ahead,
