Building Local Communities

Several organizations are building local communities, providing training and guidance to youth and young adults, working toward increasing awareness about the need for Sustainable Local Food Systems.

I’m sure there are more groups like these two:

• Real Food Challenge
• The Food Project

but I just learned today about them, and want to let you know about them.  Please go check them out.  They are providing very good models of what can be done with and by youth and young adults.

If you are aware of other groups like these, PLEASE let us know, leave a comment below and tell us.

Go to YouTube and enter the names of both of those groups and see what they are up to.  I think you too will be inspired.

There is also a local group here in Whatcom County, Washington, called “Transition Whatcom“, which I just joined.  I will be suggesting that one of the things on their agenda is to work on uniting as many local groups and work together, there is strength in numbers, to work on local food projects.  Ones that have come to my mind are, community gardens, with youth asked to join in and learn while they’re providing good food for those in need.  Also, getting local food into the schools and nursing home, and anywhere else possible.

This idea I challenge you with, to get this type of thing started in YOUR local community.  Contact these groups and ask them where you can start, or us.  We’ll see what we can do to help also.

Can you imagine what could be possible if we were to start local groups in all 3300 counties in the US?

I have a question for you.  When you look around your community, and see all the areas that have landscaping, how much of that area, both private and public (Parks, Schools, Buildings, etc) have edible landscaping???  Not much is there, with the exception of some homes.  Why not, promote making a change to this?

Leave me your thoughts.  This idea is one I will be encouraging.

Tell your thoughts.

Tom