Real Food America

[Penni]

In today's video I share with you my heart and desire for helping to bring real food to low income Americans, along with Paul Risse of Cleanse America, Jacqueline Corbett & Andrew Heinz of the RawFoodNetwork.com and many others who have also shared similar desires and visions in yesterday's Facebook interaction. If this topic is intriguing to you, please click here to view the dialog as it unfolded.

Jacqueline has done a fantastic job of bringing details of what's happening on a smaller scale together and you can find her information by clicking here.  We hope to keep adding to this list of organizations, so please share your information with us in the comments below.

We really want to hear from you and have your thoughts and perspectives added into the mix. I realize that this is a very big picture concept,  but one that I believe we need to see come together.  With much community support, divine guidance and the right people in place, I can visualize it all flowing together to impact the health and food systems in our nation (and beyond!).  Thank you in advance for your input, information and for sharing from your heart. I look forward to getting this dialog started!

[Maureen Griffin]

How do I get into chat room?

[Maureen Griffin]

Made a comment on main page but dont know how to post it ? Thanks

[LJ Faulkner]

In Baltimore, the "Balitmarket" allows low income residents access to ordering fresh produce that is delievered to them via their local library.  See http://www.baltimorehealth.org/virtualsupermarket.html 

[Penni]

come to the main page - the chat is live on the main page - just look for it - 70 of us are there!

Maureen Griffin said:

Made a comment on main page but dont know how to post it ? Thanks

[indigo]

You know Penni, I think the thing I came accross a lot as a welfare worker was this idea that people who received benefits were somehow bad - default in character, making bad decisions, whatever.  And that's just not the case.  We had this saying in the office - you could see a little sign printed up in almost every cubicle - "There but for the Grace of God go I."  And it's so true.  All of us were not much more than a paycheck away from the other side of the counter - receiving benefits instead of issuing them.  

I love reading all the responses this has had - I love seeing all the ways that communities are finding to make food, even real food, available to everyone.  It doesn't just help the direct beneficiaries, it helps the community as well.

[Maureen Griffin]

Very sorry everyone - Im on main page -wrote a comment next to smily face -but dont know how to post??!

Help pls!!

[Margo]

Oh  yes Penni, I am totally on board with you on this topic!  I am so excited.  I will be happy to help in anyway I can, it's what my Sage Garden Project through Kickstarter is for!  I want to help people in my community and wow, does this country need help!!! xo

[Jacqueline Corbett]

Of course you have my permission.. to use anything I say... and even to edit or re-write it!  I am honored.

In that vein... here's a comment that I just added to the post on my personal Facebook page... which you may use any part of. 

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I just wanted to re-post the link where you can join in a very lively discussion on how to MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN HOW ALL AMERICA IS FED: http://rawfoodrehab.ning.com/forum/topics/real-food-america?xg_sour... 

Everyone's ideas are respected and welcome!

I have a personal goal of creating a 'synergistic coalition' of resources which already exist both as a 'starting point' and to avoid 're-inventing the wheel'... and to further:

-- aggregate these resources at a central location -- located right now at http://www.rawfoodnetwork.com/organic_produce_for_all.html -- and from there further refine and organize these resources into an easy to follow 'directory' broken down by category 

-- give simple step by step instructions on how individuals and communities can readily DUPLICATE the success of others on their own without spending a lot of money.

-- provide a forum with multiple threads to help individuals and communities implement their programs and to provide feedback on successes, to provide help with any problems by those who have already succeeded, and to brainstorm and innovate new ideas.

-- provide grassroots advertising and marketing ideas on how to 'spread the word' effectively on a zero budget.

-- provide complimentary resources such as seed exchanges, propagating instructions, links to recipe exchanges, etc.

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Here's another thought: I would  like to see individuals write THEIR 'dream' or THEIR 'vision' of what a well-fed and well-healed America would look like... in as much detail as they can imagine... without worrying about the 'how' of that dream or vision happening... only the 'what'... and to share that dream with the rest of us via this forum.  This by itself can be a very powerful tool in bringing about the desired change.  
 

Penni said:

Jacqueline - you are sooooo eloquent and I will, if you don't mind, use your beautiful articulation above to send out to the membership here at Raw Food Rehab, as quoted by you. I am delighted that Andrew is fired up - he is a lighthouse, as are you and many others who are now coming together in this important hour! I, too, love being part of the vision of how America (and beyond) will be fed, cleansed and healed!! 

Jacqueline Corbett said:

Penni,  I am truly excited and inspired by all that's happening.  I just posted a link to this page on my FB page with the following comment:

 "You're Invited to participate in bringing about much-needed change in how ALL America is fed ... particular the millions of Americans who are often overfed yet undernourished because they can't afford to buy fresh produce of any kind, let alone the often expensive organic produce which many of us enjoy eating. Not only is this about creating true 'food justice' in America where ALL Americans can eat REAL FOOD, but it's about creating new ways to support existing CSA and local farmers, while inspiring new organic farms to be developed. It's about teaching - and learning - new ways of doing things... like helping build urban forests, and roof-top gardens, and planting food instead of lawns... and so much more. Join us! Help us create a new paradigm for healing our nation via giving everyone a chance to eat the best food! ♥"

I was able to connect via  message with Andrew late last night and he was  totally blown away by what had transpired... and he too is totally on board!   And as I was writing this he messaged again and is really happy to see how far this has come in a mere 24 hours and can't wait to get back in town and help.

I will just continue doing what I'm doing... which is letting 'Spirit' suggest the next resource... the next share... etc.  

Loving being part of the vision of how America will be fed and healed. <3

 

[Gillian Baker]

Here is an idea that happened in a community in a neighboring county several years ago -- it has not been sustained, but I think it is an awesome idea. 

I think a lot of people would like to eat real food, but maybe do not know how to garden, or do not have the yard to have a nice garden.....however, there are many elderly people who have been gardening all their lives and have a nice garden spot (this is especially true in rural areas).  Many of these elderly people may not be able to tend to their garden as they have in the past -- however, they have the knowledge from years of gardening -- the idea is to pair a younger family with an elderly person, let the younger family tend the garden and learn the art of gardening from the elderly person, and they share the harvest!

Just a thought!

Gillian

[Debi]

I wanted to share that here in Richmond VA the local food bank is working with local farmers and the community gardens to supply fresh organic produce, eggs, and I think they are going to add local meats as well. They've added in more refrigerators and more pick up times to accommodate this. I'm proud to say that I belong to 2 CSA's that do this. I believe the food bank is part of Feed America. Also some of the farmer's markets here are starting to take the food stamp cards as well.

I love this vision, I also feel another part of this is also encouraging people to want to eat healthier food. People are very resistant to eating fresh food sometimes. I see it in my practice all the time. So I just got the idea that I think as part of my community service that I want to hook up with the food bank on the possibility of teaching nutrition classes and why it is important to eat healthy and how to prepare healthy food. A lot of people also don't know how to cook fresh vegetables they've never had them or they don't like them for some reason.

I'm excited to see how this unfolds! Both on the national level and in the RFR members communities.

[Jacqueline Corbett]

Wholesomewave.org is a GREAT example of what can be done.  I've taken a close look at it, and have begun to randomly look at some of the participating groups... and it's a gold mine of ideas... as are some of the participating groups.  I think that this group and its participating groups need to be studies 'in depth' and emulated!

Below is the text of what I've added to the 'compilation page' I'm working on so far.  

However it's much easier to read if you go to  http://www.rawfoodnetwork.com/organic_produce_for_all.html as there is formatting and hyperlinks to help you navigate. 

Wholesome Wave is a great beginning that is in 25 states and DC with 45 partners and representing over 250 individual farmers markets. It is an exemplary program which is already doing SOME of what needs to be accomplished. The individual partners and how each of them 'does it' should be studied closely to see what works and how they do it... as this is a HUGE STEP in the right direction.

Wholesome Wave "... Wholesome Wave’s mission is to improve access and affordability of fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce to historically underserved communities. Our vision is to help lead the way in developing a more vibrant and equitable food system for everyone by fostering stronger relationships between local and regional agriculture and under-served individuals from both urban and rural communities.

Wholesome Wave is a national 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting small and midsize farms, and making fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables available to all people, regardless of income.

Wholesome Wave partners with farmers markets, community leaders, healthcare providers, like-minded nonprofits and government entities to implement programs that benefit both consumers in underserved communities and the farmers who provide for them.

We operate by partnering with community-embedded organizations to implement our programs, including our Double Value Coupon Program, the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program and Healthy Food Commerce Initiative.

Wholesome Wave’s core Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP) "more than 200 markets in 23 states and the District of Columbia. DVCP represents a new way of conceptualizing solutions to the related problems of food insecurity, prevalence of dietary disease, including obesity, and the economic viability of small and mid-sized farms."

The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx) "fosters partnerships between health care providers and organizations working with farm-to-market retail venues to measure the health effects of increased consumption of fresh produce. The goal is to improve health outcomes by providing community members at-risk for diet-related diseases (such as diabetes and obesity) with the resources to increase consumption of fresh, locally grown produce."

Healthy Food Commerce Initiative (HFCI) "to help entrepreneurial organizations respond to the increased demand for healthy, local food while supporting local agriculture and regional economies."

Wholesome Wave programming is now in 25 states and the District of Columbia with more than 45 partners implementing the DVCP and FVRx in more than 250 participating farmers markets.

An example of what one of the participating Farmers Market Groups is doing. (Click here for a list of ALL the Farmers Markets and Farmers Market Groups partipating in at least the 'double coupon' program... which is the list from which the following example was 'randomly' taken.)

FRESHFARM MARKET is an example of how one of these participating farmers market programs provides assistance to low-income customers through a variety of means... including a very well designed website.

As a nonprofit organization, FRESHFARM Markets strives to reach out to the community beyond the scope of our farmers markets. To date, we operate five programs to educate, inspire and engage our community. " To make a difference for the future of farmland in our region, it's essential to spread the word about sustainable agriculture. With this in mind, FRESHFARM Markets runs 5 outreach and educational programs in addition to our 11 markets: Chef at Market, FoodPrints, Gleaning, EBT/WIC and the Jean Wallace Douglas Farmer Fund. These programs help us to inform residents of the Chesapeake Bay region about the true costs of conventionally produced food versus local, sustainable and organically grown food."

FRESHFARM Markets Nutrition Assistance Programs : "It is important to FRESHFARM Markets that local, fresh produce is available to all people, regardless of income or financial stability. Currently we have four programs that help low-income people buy healthy foods in our DC and MD markets. By accepting SNAP (EBT/Foods Stamps), WIC, SFMNP vouchers and offering an incentive Matching Dollars program we aim to decrease the access barriers to fresh, healthy food." Nutrition Assistance Program has a beautifully-designed downloadable full-color brochure to help promote it.

FRESHFARM Markets Gleaning Partners " Each FRESHFARM Market works in coordination with a gleaning partner. Gleaning is the collection of leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been mechanically harvested or from fields that are not economically profitable to harvest. Gleaning is often practiced by humanitarian groups that distribute gleaned food to communities in need."

FoodPrints is FRESHFARM Markets' local foods school program "that builds an edible schoolyard garden and integrates the garden into the school curriculum. Children who participate learn about where their food comes from and how important it is to eat fresh, nutritious, seasonal foods." FoodPrints Program includes a wonderful downloadable booklet of chef-inspired recipes.

FARMFRESH Market's 'Chef at Market' Program "Since 1997, FRESHFARM Markets has celebrated the pleasures of seasonal and local harvests through our Chef at Market program. Events include tastings, demonstrations, market tours and book signings."

FRESHFARM Market Farmer Fund "Since its inception in 2008, the fund has awarded more than 20 scholarships valued at over $10,000. Through these grants, we're able to support new and innovative farmers, on the frontline of alternative agriculture, with important technical training, connections to professional networks and access to fellow farmers and artisans. This kind of learning based on peer-to-peer workshops, farm demonstrations and internships is fostering the emergence of a new generation of American farmers."

Saul Estreicher said:

http://wholesomewave.org/  Michel Nichan's national organization that doubles the value of food stamps at the farmers markets and seeks to get gardens growing again in inner-city wastelands.  The program got the backing of Mayor Finch here in Bridgeport, CT  and is sucessful in Hartford.  Michel runs the Dressing Room restaurant in Westport, CT, Paul Newman's and Joanne Woodward's place alongside the Westport Playhouse.

Wholesome Wave is a national 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting small and midsize farms, and making fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables available to all people, regardless of income. Wholesome Wave partners with farmers markets, community leaders, healthcare providers, like-minded nonprofits and government entities to implement programs that benefit both consumers in underserved communities and the farmers who provide for them.

Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP) 2008
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx)
Healthy Food Commerce Initiative (HFCI) 2011

I am looking to make a connection between a community based homeless feeding program that takes place every Sunday Under the Viaduct on John St in Bridgeport, CT for the past 10 years with healthy alternatives.  The food comes from Church groups and inspired individuals cooking at home to feed the homeless.  The City has not recognized this outdoor event which has been part of the community all this time.  

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[Rundowntoraw]

Katies Krops. Such an inspirational story. She is in the Charleston area of South Carolina. Basic Information About It Only Takes a Seedling! Description The idea for Katie’s Krops began with a 9 year old girl and a 40 pound cabbage. In 2008 Katie brought home a tiny cabbage seedling home from school as part of the Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program. She tended to her cabbage and cared for it until it grew to an amazing 40 pounds. Knowing her cabbage was special she donated to a soup kitchen where it helped to feed over 275 people. Moved by the experience of seeing how many people could benefit from the donation of fresh produce to soup kitchens, Katie decided to start vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to help feed people in need. Katie now has numerous gardens and has donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce to organizations that help people in need. The mission of Katie's Krops is to start and maintain vegetable gardens of all sizes and donate the harvest to help feed people in need, as well as to assist and inspire others to do the same. The problem of hunger is real, Katie's Krops mission is simple, we all can help because... Website http://www.katieskrops.com/