The Gardens Project of North Coast Opportunities has headed South-to New Orleans that is. Members of the Garden Projects team from Willits and Ukiah took off for the Big Easy on Thursday Oct. 14 to attend the annual Community Food Security Coalition conference.
“This year, the conference moved to New Orleans and highlights the vibrant history, culture and foods of the South, Louisiana, and the myriad of challenges and successes working in traditionally marginalized communities,” said Miles Gordon, Gardens Project Coordinator.
New Orleans has long been revered for its rich culture and cuisine. The conference, titled Food, Culture & Justice: The Gumbo That Unites Us All, aimed to bring groups from around the nation together to experience the “unique regional and multi cultural approach to food organizing” taking place in the area. The chance to attend field trips, cooking classes and workshops gave the team a look into what is happening in the food security movement nationally and a chance to share the progresses of their local projects.
“We went to share all the fantastic work happening here in Mendocino County, inspire others, and be inspired by them,” stated Gordon.
With topics that included rebuilding local food economies, environmental justice, food policy councils and ending poverty and increasing food access, the sessions focused on uniting organizations and individuals working towards social justice, and encouraged them to bring shared ideas back to their communities.
“The conference provides incredible networking opportunities with similar organizations throughout the country,” Gordon said, “We can share our successes and work together on our challenges.”
With a melting pot of knowledge under their belts, Mendocino County can look forward to the continuing efforts of the Gardens Project to implement food justice and security locally.
By Cate Oliver
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