This should be two posts

"A sustainability driven food system is one that empowers them (community members) helps them to work with new problem solving skills, and transforms the everyday functions of government" (Roberts, 2010).

Every so often I find myself completely inspired. After reading the literature for this week, I feel re-energized, caught somewhere between guerrilla gardening and running for mayor. This time last year I remember sitting at the Sustainable You conference that was put on by the county--the theme centered around Tallahassee's local food system. After a series of uplifting keynote speakers, conference attendees were asked to sit at a round table with neighboring members of the community. Each table was then given a sheet of paper with a topic pertinent to the food system, and then asked for ways to address the issue. Although I cannot remember what my topic was, I remember several of the initiatives that were listed: Creating more education outreach opportunities, launching a municipal composting program, connecting members through a community garden network, and developing a food policy council. As we talked through each of the options, democracy led us to vote on the option  of choice--education.

Thinking back to this time, I wish we would have spent more time exploring what a food policy council is, as it can encompass all of the initiatives previously described. A food policy council is cross disciplinary and cross departmental, aiming to transform "food security" and "sustainability" from passive nouns into action (Roberts, 2010).

Although Tallahassee has  yet to kickstart its own food policy council, it does have a number of programs that seek to further the good food movement locally. The heart of a food policy council is found in building a relationship-based food system, one that empowers all community members (especially those living in low SES areas) to see themselves, and be seen by others "to have exceptional gifts, not just high needs" (Roberts, 2010). There is no better image of this then sitting with my friends at a Collards and Cornbread meeting. Here, community members are empowered to share their future dreams, program updates, and everyday lives. Trust is built, ideas are spread, and most importantly relationships are formed.


Heres another plug for iGrow: "Sustainability doesn't get much better than having a young person learn to play leading roles as new food professionals for their entire career."