Fourth Annual New England Food Summit!- Day 1

DAY 1-

We started today's conference with a conversation about Racial Equality and Food Justice  and the following are just a few take aways from our presenters and small group table discussions. (this is a very brief snapshot that I will update once I receive the information presented)

• 97% of all farms are owned by whites 

• Food system change is not a luxury it is a necessity

• Local food is not intrinsically good... It's only good if it delivers on social and environmental values

• There's a lot to be said about the healing power of growing your own food.

• Sustainability can't happen without racial justice

• New England Food Vision: Healthy food is a fundamental human right

• Local food is only good if it delivers on social and environmental values.

• The new paradigm begins as soon as you're ready to perceive it.

• Not just about individual behavior and consumer actions, it's about a systemic change in our society

After lunch (see the menu below) we discussed the 50 by 60 Food Vision

The New England Food calls for our region to build the capacity to produce at least 50% of food in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner, that promotes health and is accessible by all New Englanders by 2060.

 To read the New England Food Vision (to read the complete document click here). 

Highlights

The Four Core Values:

1. Rights to Food: Access to adequate healthy, culturally appropriate foods at all times is a basic human right for all.
2. Healthy Eating: New Englanders will move towards healthier eating patterns, including eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and both plant and animal sources of protein.
3. Sustainability: Regional food production, procurement and access will be advanced embracing environmentally respective practices, economically just principles and social responsible behaviors.
4. Community Stability: Strong local and regional agricultural and sustainable fisheries will help New England communities thrive by providing a decent livelihood  to farmers and fisherman, while creating and maintaining attractive communities  for people to live in, work in and visit.  

KEEPING WITH THE URBAN THEME

A FOOD TRUCK LUNCH