We have the opportunity to address food insecurity and systemic racism at the same time! Join us on Zoom March 8, at 2 p.m. to learn more!
Farmers of color in the United States continue to endure systemic racism within the food system that causes significant and consistent social, economic, and political harm. RAFI (Rural Faith Community Organizing Initiative) is in a unique position to address this problem, given our established relationships and connections: our Farmers of Color Network has developed a holistic economic and cultural ecosystem that values farmers of color in regional food systems. Additionally, RAFI’s Come to the Table program already engages with faith communities to increase food security, address poverty, and strengthen justice in our food system.
RAFI’s Farm-to-Church Project will address these problems by connecting farmers of color with local congregations throughout North Carolina to create economically-equitable, mutually-beneficial and sustainable food-based partnerships: farmers are able to create an additional source of income, access new local market(s), and create mutually-beneficial economic partnerships with faith communities that are then able to increase the food security and access of their congregants through improved access to fresh, healthy foods and providing hunger relief for consistently vulnerable populations.
These partnerships look different depending on your context, but could look like a group of churches coming together to form a food box purchasing group to purchase from a local farmer, or like a church hosting a farmers market in their parking lot (perhaps in coordination with another church event like a community meal). Through these farm-to-church connections, churches are able to participate in the building of thriving local food systems and economies while also engaging in relational ministries with farmers in their communities.
For more information, visit farmtochurch.org
Ecumenical partnerships are encouraged! Invite your community churches to join in.
Contact Rev. Jaye White for to access the March 8, Zoom link: jayewhite@nccumc.org