Several Saturdays ago I attended an event at U of T in coordination with Dig In Campus Agriculture called Growing Your Career in the Good Food Movement, colloquially known as “Get a Job, Hippie!” The event was co-hosted by the new food advocacy group in Toronto called Food Forward. Food Forward works with the public, politicians and those involved in the food sector to educate and advocate for food that is healthy, local, sustainable, ethically produced and accessible for all!http://pushfoodforward.com/
There were about fifty dedicated foodies in attendance for a full afternoon of speakers and workshops on a variety of topics. The focus was on social enterprises, non profits, and essentially how to find or create a job (that pays a living wage) in the good food movement. As was obvious from the variety of topics and organizations represented, the good food movement is a diverse mosaic; like a giant puzzle where everyone has their own unique piece to contribute. Furthermore the pieces may not fit perfectly at first, but through dialogue and creative discussion, the pieces miraculously join together with beauty and precision.
Here’s the part where you ask yourself … “What’s my piece?”
On to the speakers!
The first speaker Chris Wong talked about his experience creating an organization called Young Urban Farmers, which essentially turns front and back yards and other free space all around the city into delicious vegetable gardens. People can then buy shares in the garden and receive a weekly bunch of produce. The project is self sustaining, generating money and utilizing youth volunteers and offers summer jobs for young people. http://www.youngurbanfarmers.com/
The second speaker, Anne Freeman is the Co-ordinator of the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market and the Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Network, which is a network of nearly fifteen Farmers’ Markets all over the city. Farmers’ Markets are spreading around the city like wildfire and she informed the crowd about the challenges and opportunities of Farmers’ Markets in the city. Most importantly, Farmers’ Markets enable small scale food producers to market their produce directly to the consumers, which cut out the middle man and enable the farmers to earn a fair living. They also create a creative and open community space for people to socialize, network and enjoy the food and arts!
We heard from Melissa Shin, the Managing Editor and alternative journalist for the Corporate Knights Magazine, which advocates for corporate responsibility. Their mission is to humanize the marketplace by making it easier to know the social and environmental costs of corporations, showcasing leaders in innovation and bringing together key players in each sector to work on common sense solutions to some of the greatest challenges we face. http://www.corporateknights.ca/
Our final speaker represented the Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada whose mission is “to ignite a national movement of young social entrepreneurs who align people, planet and profit. We are a community hub for young social entrepreneurs, and a grower of their social enterprises.” Social enterprises are essentially mission based organizations who also market a product or a service, and the revenue goes to support the charity. http://www.ysec.org/
After the speakers we had a mini brainstorming session where five people from the crowd listed their own ideas and then we split up and worked on how to make these ideas a reality. I joined the discussion group around a plan to build edible forests within the city, while others were interested in community kitchens, educational programs for school kids, starting your own organic farm and more.
Unfortunately for everyone around me, I can’t stop seeing the world in terms of networks…this event was no exception. I saw a wide range of individuals all of whom were involved with multiple networks and amazing projects all over the city and province. At this event social bonds were formed between once disconnected individuals and organizations. Bonds were strengthened between past acquaintances; and there was a great exchange of ideas, discussion and resources. People left inspired and encouraged by all the great things going on all around us. They were able to get a sense of how their own little piece fits within the big picture. It also produced a great feeling, to know that you are not alone and that others share the same passion which burns within you.
What is your piece?
Alright, alright, enough hyperbolic chit-chat for one day,
Peace and Happy Holidays!
P.S. Stay tuned for upcoming Dig In Campus Agriculture events in the New Year! Including movie night, workshops, and diabolical spring garden plotting muhuhahaha…. Jacob Kearey-Moreland
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