Author: Sara Salo

Food Justice

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What a great sticker! I picked it up at the Food Justice Conference in Eugene, Oregon over President’s Day weekend. The meetings explored “the history and future of our food system with a focus on sustainability, equity and community”. It was an inspirational three days of conversations with a huge variety of professionals – from farmers to academicians, everyone had a place at the table.

My favorite session was a talk entitled “New Media and Food Activism” with Naomi Starkman from Civil Eats. The discussion ranged from Twitter to 50 Cent (a mainstream Rap artist for you non-pop culture folks… don’t worry, I didn’t know who he was either!) to farmer internet access. It also turned me onto this little gem:

The main message of the conference: define food justice for you and then create a strategy towards achieving this aim. I have an ongoing definition of food justice in my notebook… The current draft states:

“Food justice is open knowledge of where food comes from and available resources to grow one’s own, along with equitable access to healthy food that is procured from a system that follows responsible cultivation and fair compensation for its workers.”

What’s your definition of Food Justice?

Last thought: The human factor – passion – is our most powerful asset!

Go Be It: Implement change in your community

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This is the first post in what will be a weekly series of suggestions to get involved with school food and cycling. I will be giving one simple (and fun!) idea for students, schools and families.  Let the growing of change commence!

Theme of the Week: Educate yourself

STUDENTS:

  • Introduce yourself to a kitchen staff member. Ask him or her what their favorite part of working in the cafeteria is. Share with your class.

FAMILIES:

  • Take a family outing (bike ride, walk, scooter roll, etc.) in your neighborhood. Take note of pedestrian/bike friendly areas along with obstacles to traveling car-less. Are destinations such as stores or parks within a reasonable distance?

SCHOOLS:

  • Poll your students – what are their favorite cafeteria meals? Why?

Folks, remember: “Decide what to be and go be it.” -The Avett Brothers