Centering Community Leadership and Power for an Equitable, Sustainable, & Just Food System

TableofContents

IntroductionandBackground

Twobrownhandscupaglowinggreenheartwith foliagegrowingaroundit.Atreegrowsoutofthe topoftheheart,withorangerootsthatareinthe shapeoftheheart’stube.

FOREWORD

Communitiesholdsolutionsforresilient,equitable,andjust foodsystems.Theleadership,wisdom,andcapacitytoseed sustainablelocalfoodsystems,poweredbythecommunity, exists.Yetfartoooften,structuralracismandtheresulting policies,practices,anddistributionofresourcesthatreinforce whitesupremacyandupholdpowerimbalancesinresearch andpraxisthatsystematicallyunderminescommunity leadership.

Therecommendations,principles,andstrategiesoutlinedin thisdocumentweredevelopedcollaborativelybyanational cohortofcommunityfoodsystemsfellowsoveraone-year period. Thisroadmapincludesstrategiesforrecognizingand addressingsystemicandstructuralbarrierstoequitablefood systems,aswellaswaystoupliftandscalealready-existing communitywisdom,traditions,andinnovationsassolutions thatcanfurtheradvanceresilient,just,community-powered foodsystems.

Theserecommendationsareanofferingfromourcollective, whichwehopewillstimulatediscussion,reflection,and meaningfulaction.

Weinviteyoutostronglyconsiderthecollective recommendations,guidingprinciplesand practicesbeingsharedthroughthisroadmap; thediverseperspectives,worldviews,andcultural, social,andtraditionalsourcesofknowledgethat yieldedit;andtheimportanceofcontinuingto centerthosewhoexperiencemarginalizationas generatorsandcuratorsofknowledgeand solutions.

Introductionand Background

Whatwoulditlooklikeifourfoodsystem centeredcommunitypower,healing,and resiliency?

Harnessingtheleadershipofthosemostimpactedbyfood inequityisessentialtoachievingsuccessfulpolicyandpractice changestotransformthesystemsofknowledgeproduction thatguideresourcedistribution.Community-drivenand grassrootsmodelsthatfosterautonomousfoodsystemsthat areculturallyrelevant,havehigh-qualityfoods,preventand mitigatetraumacausedbyfoodapartheid,andpromote collectivehealingandresilienceexistandcanbescaled.

“Community-poweredfoodsystems”referstoa transformativerestructuringoftheinterlocking mechanismsofthefoodsystemthatoperationalizes thevaluesofdemocraticdecision-making,shared powerandownership,andequitabledistributionof thehealth,economic,andsocialbenefitsofthat system.Thisdirectlybuildsontheguidingprinciples ofcooperatives.

TheCommunityFoodSystemsFellowshipisayear-long fellowshipforlocalcommunityfoodsystemsleaderswhoare committedtofoodjustice,equity,andcenteringcommunity leadershipintheirworktodevelopresilientandequitablelocal foodsystems.

FirstlaunchedbyVitalVillageNetworks(VVN)in2021,the programpairspeerlearningandcapacitybuildingwith participatoryco-designprinciples.

TheFellowshipwasdevelopedinstrategicpartnershipwitha NationalAdvisoryBoardof19localandnationalfoodsystems advocates,experts,andpractitioners.

Thegoalofthefellowshipistofosterasustainableecosystemfor foodsystemsleadersinsupportoftheircommunity-ledfood systemseffortstoshiftlocalpoweranddecision-making structuresintothehandsoflocalcommunities particularly thoseofBlack,Indigenous,andotherpeopleofcolor.Tosupport thisgoal,overthecourseof2022,14fellowsworkedinpartnership withcommunity-basedorganizationsonlocalfoodsystems participatoryresearchandcommunityengagementprojects, whilealsotakingpartinpeerlearningandcollaborationto developasharedvisionandroadmapforcommunitypowered foodsystems.Thiswasaccomplishedbyengagingthefellowsin human-centereddesignlabs,monthlymeetingstopromote learning,resourceandwisdomexchange,andindividual monthlytechnicalassistancemeetings.Meetingswere facilitatedbyVVNstaff,fellows,andagroupofcontent,field,and practicepartnerswhoofferedadditionalthoughtpartnership andservedasguestlecturers/facilitatorsthroughoutthe fellowship.

Ultimately,thisroadmapforcommunity-poweredfoodsystems isintendedtoserveasaresourceandcalltoactionforcreating equitablefoodsystems,bydrawingonthedeepknowledge, wisdom,andexperiencesofcommittedgrassrootsleaders participatinginthefellowshipandtheirdiverseorganizations, networks,collectives,andcommunities.Whilewehonorthefact thateverycommunityisunique,withitsownculturalhistoryand knowledgesystem,wehopethisroadmapcanbeusedasa guideforyourcommunityinthiswork.

SECTION2

willprovideabriefoverviewofourcommunity co-designapproachandthevirtualdesignlab, structure,andprocess.

SECTION3

willprovideabriefoverviewofourcommunity co-designapproachandthevirtualdesignlab, structuringasummaryofcollectiverecommendations andguidingprinciplesfromfellowsthatoffersarange ofapproaches,strategies,andpathwaystoward community-poweredfoodsystemsthatcenter healing,resiliency,andparentandcaregiver leadership.re,andprocess.

SECTION4

providesbriefprofilesofeachofthe2022fellows.

SECTION5

offersclosingwordsofwisdomandinspirationand workingdefinitionsutilizedthroughthefellowship thatlocalcoalitionsandcommunityleaderscan adaptfortheirownuse.

CenteringCommunity Leadershipthrougha Co-DesignProcess

Systemsofoppression,inequality,andinequity arebydesign.Therefore,theycanbe redesigned.

–CreativeReactionLab

AtthecoreofVitalVillageNetworks’CommunityFoodSystems Fellowshipisthesteadfastbeliefthatthosemostimpactedby inequitieshaveaccesstospecificknowledgesystemsthat bringsthemclosesttothesolutions.Thus,theymustbeatthe centerofco-creatingknowledge,solutions,andsystems transformation.Tohonorthisgoal,weutilizedaco-design processthatwascoupledwithparticipatoryresearch strategies.

Co-designisaparticipatoryapproachtodeveloping innovationscooperativelyamongdiversecommunitypartners. Thegoalofaco-designprocessistohonorthedignityofall residentsandexpandcommunityleadershipateverystageof theprocess fromvisioningandplanning,todecision-making, implementation,anddissemination.Italsoacknowledgesand takesstepstoaddresspowerimbalancesindesignefforts.In thiscase,communityfellowswere“designingwith”the fellowshipprogramteam.

Drawinguponparticipatoryresearchstrategiesaswellas equity-centered,human-centereddesignframeworks developedbyAgncy,CreativeReactionLab,andtheNational EquityProject,fellowsparticipatedinathree-partdesignlabin May2022toco-designaroadmapseekingtoanswerthekey question:

How can we build a community-powered food system that centers healing, resiliency, and parent and caregiver leadership?

Howcanwebuildacommunity-powered foodsystemthatcentershealing, resiliency,andparentandcaregiver leadership?

Throughouttheseinteractivevirtualsessions,fellowsdrewupon theirrichanddiverseexperiences,theiron-the-groundfood systemsexpertise,andtheirvisionsandhopesforamorejust andequitablefoodsystem.

Thefellowshipteamalsopartneredwithahuman-centered designpractitioner,SamanthaZucker,toco-designand facilitatethesessions,whichutilizedvisioning,ideation,and consensus-buildingfacilitationapproaches.

Duringsubsequentmeetings,feedbacksessions,andgroup decision-makingprocessesthroughFall2022,fellowsproposed andvotedonafinalstructureandfinalformatfortheroadmap. Thisfinalstructureincludedasetofcollective recommendations,guidingprinciples,andpracticesofferinga rangeofapproaches,strategies,andpathwaystowarda community-poweredfoodsystem.

ACalltoAction: CollectiveRecommendations andGuidingPrinciplesand Practices

Ojibwepeopleask,‘Whoarethepeoplewhosetthe pace?’Ourelders,children,thoselivingwithdisability andillness.Ilookto[them]fordirection[by] centeringfirstthosemostimpactedbythefood system.

-KaitlynWalsh

GitigaanProgram,FondduLacBandofLakeSuperior Chippewa,2022CommunityFoodSystemsFellow

Throughaco-designprocess,ourcollaborativegroupdrew uponourwisdom,diverseexperiences,perspectives,and learningstodevelopasetofeightcollectiverecommendations, guidingprinciples,andpracticesthatpointtoawayforward.

Bycenteringthosemostimpactedinthefood system,theserecommendationsgenerate newperspectivesbyelevatingcommunity wisdomandIndigenousknowledge. Theserecommendationsserveasimportant areasofcollectiveactionandcollaboration thatcandrivemoreequitablechangeand transformationinthefoodsystemnationally, movingthosemostimpactedbyinequityfrom margintocenter.

Dismantlesystemicwhitesupremacistframeworks

Honorthecomplexityofandembraceself-determination indefiningcommunity

Centerhealingandcommunitywell-beingthroughholistic andregenerativepractices

ProtectandpreservetheagencyofBlack,Indigenous,and peopleofcolorfoodsystemworkersandfarmersthrough justdistributionofresources,opportunities,andfair compensationforlabor

Centerself-determinationtohonorexistingcommunity assetsandnurturecooperativepracticestoward long-termsolutions

Buildhistoricallyrootedfoodsystemknowledge, awareness,andcapacity

Expandfoodsovereigntybycreatingpathwaysforland access,ownership,andrepatriationtoBlackand Indigenouscommunitiesandcommunitiesofcolor

Nurtureintergenerational,culturallyrelevant,and accessiblepracticesforgrowinganddistributingfood

Recommendation

DismantleSystemicWhite

SupremacistFrameworks

Ourcurrentcommodity-drivencapitalistfoodsystemwas createdbydesign.Colonialismandwhitesupremacist, patriarchal,heteronormative,andableistframeworkshaveled tosystemicviolence,extraction,andillnessinourfood,health, andotherimportantcommunitysystems.Communitiesofcolor havebornethedisproportionateburdenoftheseharmsand havehadlimitedaccesstopoweranddecision-making structuresandleadershiproles. Wemustnotonlyacknowledgethislivinghistoryandtheracist policies,practices,andstructuresthathaveupheldand reinforcedit.Wemustalsoactivelyandrelentlesslysustain ongoingworkthatseekstosystematicallyundothesepractices, throughliberatorystrategiesandcollectiveactionsthatcenter thosemostimpactedbyfoodsystemsinequitiesandlong-time grassrootscommunityleaders.Intheplaceofourcurrent system,weseektoupliftandstewarddifferentwaysofbeing, movingawayfromscarcityandprofit-drivenmodels,toward community-ledmodelsthathonorIndigenoustraditionsand community-ledapproachesthathavealwayscenteredpeople, land,agency,sustainability,andabundance.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices Reflection

SupportandinvestintheleadershipofBlack,Brown, andIndigenouspeopleandotherpeopleofcolor acrossalllevelsofthefoodsystem.

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Leadlocalfood-systemeffortsusinganintersectional lensthatrecognizesdiverseandmultipleidentities andperspectives,includingbutnotlimitedto experiencesinformedbyrace/ethnicity,gender, socioeconomicstatus,healthandability,immigration status,andlanguage.

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Identifyandacknowledgewhitesupremacist frameworksandlanguageinthefoodsystemand seektouncoveranddismantleideologiesrootedin racismandotherintersectionalformsofoppression.

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

Seektoaddressstructuralracismasarootcauseof inequityacrossmultiplecommunitysystems,suchas food,healthcare,housing,transportation,and economicsystems.

Whatdoesitlooklikeforyoutoapproachthiswork withanintersectionallens?

Recommendation: GuidingPrinciplesandPractices:

HonortheComplexityofandEmbrace Self-DeterminationinDefining Community

Theword“community”isoftenreferencedinfoodsystems work. Thisfellowshipjourneybroughttogetherleaderswith variousexperiencesthatworkinadiverserangeofcontexts anditwasapparentthatthiswordcouldnotbeeasilydefined fromonepersontoanother.Forsomeofus,communityis geographic.Forothers,communitymeansourlovedones. Andforothers,communityisbasedonouridentities.

Beingunabletodetermineonespecificdefinitionfor “community”isfrustratingattimes,particularlywhenitleads tomisunderstandingoroveruse.Yet,istherepowerinthis wordeludingasingulardefinition?Workingagainsta hegemonicpowerstructurelikewhitesupremacy,perhaps communitycanbeseenasalifeforceandashapeshifter, whosemeaningisfluidandchanges.

Communityisuptoyoutodetermine.Webelievethisispart ofwhatmakescommunitysopowerfulinthefightforafood sovereignworld.

Centerself-determinationinprocessestodevelop sharedlanguageoraworkingdefinitionofcommunity.

Welcomepersonalagencybyembracingdiverseand evolvingdefinitionsofcommunity. Investinspacesandresourcesthatcenterhealingand buildcapacityforcommunitymemberstosupportone anothertonavigateintersectionsacrossidentity,trauma, andresilience.Thisincludesaddressingharmand impactofwhitesupremacistandoppressivepractices oncommunitiesofcolor. Honordifferentmodelsfordifferentcommunities.

Reflection

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

MovingtoAction

Belowareseveralquestionsyoucanusetostimulateashared understandingoftheimportanceandvalueofself-determination anddifferencesindefiningcommunity:

Howdoyoudefinecommunity?

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Taketimetodeeplylistentoanotherperson'sdefinitionof community. Whatdotheyconsiderthatyoudonot?

Whatisonewayyou’dlike?

How do the ideas of “community-driven” and “community-led” change when embracing both definitions?

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

Recommendation

CenterHealingandCommunityWell-Being ThroughHolisticandRegenerativePractices

Whenwe’reallowedtobe,humansarenaturallycommunitybased.Weworkcooperativelywhenwecan.Weletouremotio ofempathyandloveguideus.Wealldeservelivesfullof nourishment,grace,andpeace.Inordertofosterhealing, growth,andregenerationinourcommunities,wehaveto convenebravespacesthatareintentionallydeveloped.A holisticapproachtothefoodsystemrecognizestheconnectin linksthatfacilitatehealthy,self-determinedcommunities— accesstoland,resources,equity,opportunities,food—aswell programssuchasSNAPandotherformsofassistancethatbu ontheselinks.Healingthroughthefoodsystemreflectsmany interconnectedelements:meetingpeoplewheretheyareand sharingloveandjoy,criticalactsoftransferringpower,and recognizingand/orundoinggenerationaltraumaandthe oppressivesystemsthatinformandimpedeouraccesstolan andfood.Regenerativepracticesextendthisapproachand centeronallowingspaceforthenatural“ebbandflow”of community-ledprocessesbyrespectingthebalancebetwee restinganddoing.Theyalsoseektoundogenerationaltraum throughbothcommunityconversationsandthereallocation andredistributionofland,power,andresources.Wheredo healingandregenerationoverlap?Inourbodiescellsdieand reformoverandoveragain.Thatnaturalprocessofhealinga refreshingcanalsobeappliedinourfoodsystemswork.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Reflection

Practiceholisticanditerativesolutionvisioning.

Elevateandsupportopportunitiesforintersectional collaboration.

Empowerresidentsandlocalleadersbyhonoringtheir dignityandautonomy.

Expandpathwaysforcommunityinvolvementinlocal foodsystemvisioningandplanningthroughnourishing eventsthatcenterpeople,connections,andfood.

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

MovingtoAction

Belowarequestionsyoucanuse wellnesspracticesinyourwork:

Whatisanexampleofapractice healing?

Namea“brightspot”orareawhere supportedbyyourcollective,orat and/orhealingwaswellsupported

What1-3actionscouldyourgrouptaketobuilduponthis wellness“brightspot”?

Aparentbendsdowntoupagreenvegetable.They havebrownskinandadressandmatchingheadscarf thatarebothturquoisewithblackswirlsonthem.They smileatthebabyontheirback,whohasamatching outfiton Thebackgroundoftheimagehasanaura effectaroundthepair-goingfromshadesofpinks, oranges,yellowstogreen.

Recommendation

ProtectandPreservetheAgencyofBlack, Indigenous,andPeopleofColorFood-System WorkersandFarmersthroughJust DistributionofResources,Opportunities,and FairCompensationforLabor

Black,Indigenous,andpeopleofcolor(BIPOC)foodsystem workers fromfarmersandgrowers,toworkerswhoprocess, transport,cook,andservefood arethefoundationofour localandnationalfoodsystem.Enablingworkersofcolorto implementfoodsystemsoftheirowndesignshiftspowerand decision-makingtothosewhoaremostdirectlyimpactedby foodsysteminequities.

Thisapproachensuresthatfoodsystemplanningeffortsare alignedwithandresponddirectlytolocalneeds,harness existingcommunityassetsandleadership, term,sustainablesolutions. Additionalsupportisneededtoprotectand ofcriticalyetpoliticallyandeconomicallyv membersofthefoodsystem,suchasmigra andimmigrantworkersinfoodprocessing, retail.

Localandfederalagenciesandfundingsourceshaveserved ashistoricallyharmfulyetstillimportantresourcesfor workersandfarmersofcolor.Thereisanimportant opportunitytoallocatelocalandfederalspendinginways thatcanoffsethistoricalandcurrentinjustices,suchas fundedpathwaysfor(aspiring)Black,Indigenous,andpeople ofcolorfarmersthatarefreefrommicromanagementand expandtheiragencyandself-determination.

Harmfulcolonialagriculturalpracticesshouldberemoved fromthelandscape.Investmentandsupportshouldbe directedtoregenerativepractices,enablingandfunding Indigenoussciencesandpracticessuchastherematriation offoodcrops,buildingonaglobalmovementledby Indigenouswomenandtwo-spiritpeopletoreclaimand restorerelationshipsbetweenpeopleandancestrallands, thatcanleadtosustainablesystemschanges.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Allocatesustainedlocalandfederalfundingtoenable Black,Indigenous,andpeopleofcolorfoodsystems workerstoimplementfoodwaysoftheirowndesign thatreflectcultural,social,andeconomicculinary practicesandtraditionsofaspecificcommunity, geography,orhistoricalperiod,includingfood production,preservation,andpreparation.

Reflection

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Provideadditionalsupportandprotectionsfor migrant/immigrantfarmworkers.

IncentivizeIndigenousscienceimplementationin agriculturalandfoodsystemswork.

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

MovingtoAction

Belowarequestionsyoucanusetodevelopmodelsforequitable fundingthatmaybeafoundationfordeterminingsourcesof fundingandconversationsandengagementwithpotential funders:

Whattypesorsourcesoffundingareyouseekingtosupport changesinyourlocalfoodsystem?

Whenyouenvisionanequitablefundingstructure,whatdoesthat looklike?Whatarekeyquestionsforthefunder?Whatarekey questionsforyourorganization?Whatalternativestophilanthropic andfederalfundingarise?

Recommendation

CenterSelf-DeterminationtoHonor

ExistingCommunityAssetsandNurture

CooperativePracticesTowardLong-Term Solutions

Oursovereignty,ourabilitytomakedecisions,isourcenter, andintheendthatisthefoundationforourselfdetermination.Atthecoreofthiseffortisactiveanddaily resistance,throughlargeandsmallacts,againstthelegacy ofracismandEuropeansettlercolonialismthatpervades howourcommunitysystemsoperate,includingthefood system.Historicallyandstill-presentcolonialandoppressive practicescontinuetobeemployedtoinflictviolence,trauma, andharmontoIndigenouspeoples,BlackandBrownpeople, andothercommunitiesofcolor,preventingcommunities fromimplementingfoodsystemsoftheirowndesignand fromfullyowningandbenefitingfromthefruitsoftheirlabor andcontributions.

Thepracticeofhonoringexistingcommunityassets— financialassets,peoplepower,andothertypesofinherent resources—andthelonghistoryandexamplesofalternative politicaleconomicmodelsofcommunityownership,suchas cooperatives,areimportantstartingpoints.Byreturningto Indigenouspracticessuchasthese,wecanmaketangible stepstowardafood-sovereignworld.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Elevategrassroots,mutualaidcommunitymodels thatfocuson“neighborsfeedingneighbors.”

Reflection

Identifyandcelebratetheassetsandknowledgeof localcommunitymembers.

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem? Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Utilizeequityassessmenttoolssuchasequity stakeholdermappingtosupportorganizationsand groupsinreviewingequitydimensionsofkey stakeholdersandpartnersengagedintheirwork.

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

ExpandresourcesandpathwaysforBIPOC communitiestolaunchandsustaincooperative businessesandotheralternativesolidarityeconomic models.

ShiftpowerandbuildhealthandwealthforBIPOC communitiesandotherhistoricallydisinvested communitiesthrougheconomicopportunitiesinthe foodsystem.

Whatisastrengthofyourcommunitythatyou’reproudof?

Recommendation

BuildHistoricallyRootedFoodSystem Knowledge,Awareness,andCapacity

ThehistoryofhowtheUSfoodsystemasweknowitwas formalizedispainfulandfraught,andinformspresent conditionsofinequityandongoinginjusticewithinfood systems.Bringingpeopleintospacesofconversationand connectionaroundthisimportanthistory,ourcurrentreality, andtherolesweeachplayinmaintainingorundoingthe currentstructureisapowerfulapproachtoexpanding knowledgeandawarenessofhowthefoodsystemoperates andopportunitiesfortransformingit.

Thisapproachalsofostersadeepunderstandingofthe interconnectednatureofthefoodsystemandasenseof belonging tooneanother,theland,morethanhuman relatives,andourfoodsystem.Drawingontheteachingsof BrazilianeducatorPauloFreire,populareducationandother participatoryapproachesproposeapathforwardthat dismantlesthetraditionaleducationalhierarchyofteacherversus-student,buildscriticalconsciousness,andvaluesall ofus particularlycommunitiesfacinglong-standing oppression aslifelonglearnersandco-creatorsof knowledge.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Prioritizeinclusiveandaccessibleeducationalpractices thatcentertheneedsandpreferencesofBlackand Indigenouscommunitiesandothercommunitiesofcolor. Implementandinvestinlanguagejusticepracticesthat decentralizeEnglishasthedominantlanguageandsupport diverselinguisticcommunitiestoaccessresourcesand participatefullyinfood-systemplanningefforts.

Createlearningopportunitiesthathighlightconnections andinterdependenceinthefoodsystemacrosspeople, land,space,morethanhumans,andthefoodweeat.

Utilizeliberatoryeducationframeworksthrougha multi-generationalapproachtobuildawarenessand restoreconnectionsbetweenresidentsandtheirlocal foodsystem.

Ameltingearththathasatreewithorangeandred leavesgrowingoutofitisheldupbyabrownhand Behindtheimageisagalaxy,whichislitupbythe treethroughshadesoforange,gold,andyellow.On thebottomoftheimagethereisaproductionline thatisdrawntolooklikeasmallriver,withvarious fruitsandvegetablespouringout.

Reflection

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

Whatapproacheshaveyoualreadytakentobuild connectionandawarenessaboutwhereourfoodcomes from?Whathasworkedwellandwhatwouldyouliketotry?

Recommendation

ExpandFoodSovereigntybyCreatingPathwaysforLand Access,Ownership,andRepatriationtoBlackand IndigenousCommunitiesandCommunitiesofColor

Thepeoplewhoownandaccessland,whetherurbanorrural, donotrepresentthevastmajorityofcommunitieswhogrow, harvest,andsharefoodfromourlands,nordotheyreflect theoriginalIndigenousstewardsandownersofthelandson TurtleIsland.Thepeoplewhohavenoorlimitedaccessto land—withwhichtogrowfood,launchalocalbusiness,and feedtheircommunity—areoftenthesamepeoplewhoare mostimpactedbyfoodsysteminequitiesandexcludedfrom shapingdecisionsandpolicies.Removingbarriersthatmake itdifficultforBIPOCcommunitiestoaccess,nurture,and stewardland,especiallypublicland,iscriticalforexpanding foodsovereignty.Publiclands,managedandmaintainedby publicagencies,representspacesthatarecollectively ownedbyUScitizensandmeanttoserveapublicpurpose.

Acomprehensivesetofpolicyreforms,legislativeadvocacy, andinvestmentofresources buildingonlong-standing Indigenouslandmanagementpractices cansupport sustainablestewardshipofthelandandpathwaysthat supportmovementtowardsfoodsovereignty.Thisincludes supportinglandreparationsandlandtransfereffortsthat seektoreturnownershiptoIndigenouscommunities,original stewardsofland,andcommunity-rootedentities.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Expandpathwaysandofferflexiblefinancingfor farmersandgrowersofcolor,andtrustedcommunityrootedorganizations,totransitionfromleasingtoland ownership.

Removebarriersandcreateincentivesforresidentsto utilizevacantorunusedpubliclandsforcommunity feeding,farmingandothergrowinginitiatives, includingpublichousing,education,andother facilities.

Auditandassesscityandcountypoliciesand ordinancesrelatedtolandzoning,access,and ownership.

Advocateforcommunityandpubliccontroland decision-makingpoweroverpubliclands,resources, andgovernmentagencies,andupliftIndigenous practicesforlandmanagement.

SupportIndigenous-andcommunity-of-color-led landrepatriationandredistributioneffortsthatreturn ownershipandstewardshipofpublicandtriballands, includingpathwayssuchaslandtransfersto Indigenouspeoplesandtribes,landtaxes,and community-rootedlandtrustsandcooperatives.

Reflection

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Whatisonewayyou’dlike?

Whattypesofpolicyorresourceswouldhelpremovebarriers foryouoryourorganizationtoexplorewaystoownland?

Ontheleftsideoftheimage,thefaceofapersonwith deepbrownskinadornedwithwhitemakeup,gold jewelry,andgreenandblueeyemakeup Theireyesare closedandmouthagapetotakeabiteofapearthat sitsintheirhandonthelowerrightsideoftheimage. Thepearisprintedtolookliketheearthandthereare creamstairswithshadowfigureswhereabitehasbeen takenout.Thepearslightlylightsuptheblackand whitegalaxywithyellow

Recommendation

NurtureIntergenerational,Culturally Relevant,andAccessiblePracticesfor GrowingandDistributingFood

Indigenouspeoples’approachestocaringfortheland,soil andoneanotherhavealwayscenteredoncommunitycare, relationships,andreciprocity.Developingresilientfood systemsrequireshumilityandawillingnesstolistentoand learnaboutandhowtohonortheseapproaches.

Honoringintergenerationalexchangeofknowledgethrough storiesandoralhistoriescanhelpuslearnaboutandsustain powerfulpracticesforgrowing,harvesting,andsharingfood thatnourishes,heals,andbringsjoy.

Creatingspaceforbothself-determinationandaccessibility withinfoodsystemseffortsispossible.Removingphysical, financial,andsocialbarriers-thatpreventpeoplefrom accessinghigh-quality,healthy,culturally-relevant,and affordablefoodmustbedoneinawaythatcentersthe dignityandneedsofcommunitymembers,particularly communitymemberswithdisabilitiesandchronicillness. Itisalsoimportanttohonorawiderangeofculturaland languagetraditions,diversefoodways,andunique

connectionswithfoodandland.Beingableto seeoneselfinyourfood,culture,and communityopensupthedoorfordeeper connectionswithoneanother,andourshared histories,andreinforceswherefoodcomes fromandhowitisprocured,whichistiedto liberation. Thispersonalconnectionplantsseedsfor collectivevisioningandactiontowardafood systemthatiscommunity-poweredand owned.

GuidingPrinciplesandPractices

Reflection

Gathertogethertogrow,harvest,eatandsharefood inwaysthatintentionallyopenspaceforelders,youth, andpeoplewithdisabilitiestofullyparticipate.

Nurturelearningandpracticewithinandacross communities.Acknowledge,welcome,andprioritize community-embeddedexpertsinskillssharing.Invite peoplefromspecificcommunitiestoteachskillsand approachesandtoshareculturallyspecificknowledge andpracticesthatcanbereintroduced,adapted,or restored.

Allowspaceforcommunitymemberstodevelop shareddefinitions,andincludediversemethodsand tools—visual,auditory,written,multi-lingual,andother adaptations—tosupportfullparticipation.Theprocess ofdevelopingdefinitionsthatareculturallyrelevant andaccessibletakestime.

Surveycommunityaccessibilityneedsfor participationinlocalfoodsystemsefforts,while “movingatthespeedofslow”(LeahLakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha)toensurethereisroomfor everyonetoparticipate.

Howdoesthisrecommendationconnecttoyour visionofacommunity-poweredfoodsystem?

Howdoesthisrecommendationshowupinyourcommunity?

Whatisonewayyou’dliketoapplythisinyourwork?

Whatdoesculturallyrelevantandaccessiblefoodmean foryou?

MovingtoAction

Weofferseveralquestionsthatyoucanusetostimulate discussionamongyourcollectivearoundthewelcomingof intergenerationalexchange.

Iscreatingopportunitiesforintergenerationallearningapriority forourcollective?Whyorwhynot?

Whatareaccessiblesolutionstoaddressthesebarriers?

Whatopportunitiesmayarisefromcreatingopportunitiesfor intergenerationallearning?

Whatisonestrategythatwecanusetowidenspaceformultiple generationsofcommunitymemberstojoininthenextmonth? Inthenext6months?Inthenextyear?

Whatarebarrierstomultiplegenerationsengagingaroundfood work?

Aboutthe2022Community FoodSystemsFellows

Overthecourseofayear,the2022CommunityFoodSystems fellowsgatheredtogetherandsharedtheirstories,challenges, successes,andlearningstodevelopthiscollectiveofferingof recommendationsandstrategies.Atthebeginningoftheyear, theydevelopedasetofcommunityagreementstofostera welcomingandinclusivespace.Theyheldspaceforoneanother tounpackcriticalquestions,exchangestrategies,andshare feedbackandideastomovetheworkforward.Learnmoreabout the2022fellowsandthepowerfulworktheyareleadingtobuild equitableandresilientfoodsystems.

Asanaspiringhealthnetworkexecutive,Yasminerecently graduatedwithadegreeinBiology,implementingherstudies intothepublichealthofmarginalizedcommunitiesthrough policyreform,research,andoperationalstrategy.

AsCEOofBlackWomeninCharge,Inc.,shefirstorchestratedthe useofbodycamsbytheIndianapolisMetropolitanPolice Department,championedthefederalJusticeinPolicingBill,and lobbiedforanupdated use-of-forcepolicyalongwith9other GeneralOrders.

AstheorganizationgrowsitsLobbying&Legislation Department,InternationalPartnershipsDepartment,and PublicHealth&ResearchDepartment,shedevelops sustainableprogramming,healthequitystrategy,andthe legislativereformprocessforvariousinitiativesincludingfood accessanddisparity,infantandmothermortality,Blackmen’s mentalhealth,criticalracetheory,healthcommunications, technologicalinequity,andtheadultificationofBlackchildren intheeducationsystem.

Shemanagesoperationsfortheorganization's3flagship programs:BlackFemaleSoftwareEngineeringPipeline,Future FocusedMentorshipProgram,andGroceryPrescription Program.PartnersincludetheUSDA,Blackhealthcare professionalsacrossthecountry,TheWhiteHouseOfficeof PublicEngagement,EliLillyPharmaceuticals,IndianaState HealthDepartment,BostonMedicalCenter,IndianapolisPublic Schools,UrbanLeague,andsomanymore.

YasmineAnderson CEO,BLACKWOMENINCHARGE,INC.

MaryAnnBuggs

ADMINISTRATIVEDIRECTOR,FAITHFOODFRIDAYS

MaryAnnBuggsisanenrolledmemberoftheCaddoNation andisalsoofCheyenneandArapahodescent.MaryAnn attendedSeattleUniversityandSanJoseStateUniversity, majoringinbusinessadministration/marketingwithaminorin journalism.Herprofessionalcareerhascenteredonmarketing communicationsatanumberoftechfirms,including Hewlett-Packard,aswellasPRandwritingviaherown consultingfirm,CheyenneCommunications.

Today,MaryAnnandhusbandBenjaminrunanonprofitfood pantrycalledFaithFoodFridaysintheirhomecityofVallejo,CA thatservesmorethan800familiesweeklywithfreegroceries andothernecessitiesandservices.ShealsorunstheVallejo FoodJusticeProject,acommunity-poweredgroupdedicated toimprovingthelocalfoodsystem,thatbeganasaresultof herVitalVillagefellowshipparticipation.

MaryAnniscurrentlytheChairpersonfortheEmergencyFood andShelterProgramandaboardmemberofthe7Generations IntertribalCouncilinVallejo.MaryAnnpreviouslyservedas co-chairontheRacialEquityandHungerNationalLearning Network andwasaformerboardmemberoftheIndianHealth CenterofSiliconValley.MaryAnnandBenjaminhave5children and14grandchildren.Sheenjoystimewithfamily,gardening, andtraveling,especiallytoattendPowWowstodanceinthe SouthernTraditionalstyle.

TailorCoble

FOODACCESSANDEDUCATIONCOORDINATOR, FRESHFARM (she/her)

Havinggrownupintheculturallyandeconomicallydiversecity ofWashingtonDC,Tailor’spassionsandprofessionalinterestsare deeplyrootedinjustice,policyreform,andequitablecommunity development.Tailor’sinterestinfoodjustice,sovereignty,and educationdevelopedduringhertimeatTheEvergreenState CollegeinOlympia,Washington,whereshestudiedurban planningandsustainableagriculture.Herexperiencestoilingon farmsandteachinginurbangardensinspiredhertomoveback homeandgetinvolvedinthefarm-to-schoolmovementinthe citythathelpedmakeherwhosheis.

AfterreturningtoDC,TailorinternedatUSDAandworked part-timeforalocalpolicy-basednonprofit,DCGreens,before landingadreamopportunityasaFoodPrintsteacher,providing food-andgarden-basededucationwithFRESHFARM.Tailor providedengaging,hands-onexperienceswithfoodandnature forelementaryschoolstudents,teachers,andparentsfor3years beforemovingintohercurrentposition.AsFoodAccessand EducationCoordinator,shebridgesthegapbetweenfood accessandfoodeducationbycreatingaccessibleresources andcollaboratingwithcommunitypartnerstotailorprograms tomeettheirever-changingneeds.Whensheisn’tdisruptingthe currentfoodsystem,Tailorloveshostingdinnerparties,exploring nature,andreading.

(they/them)

A20+yearnewcomer-settlerofTurtleIsland(currentlyin residencyonPennacook/Sokokiterritory),Pampiisadarkerskinned,nonbinary,second-genxcasteD-Bengalicultureworker whoplaysattheintersectionofhealingandpopulareducation.

Incommunitytheydevelopcommunity-centeredartthat releasescreativepotentialanddrivescollectivechange-making.

Theyleanonpoetry,dancetheater,andgardeningtohelp messagetheintersectionalshiftsinthinkingwemustembraceto centerliberation.

Pantaleonisano-till-,no-fossil-fuel-cultivatingfruitand herbfarmer,educator,andagriculturalresearcherbasedin Lawrence,Kansas.HisfarmiscalledMaseualkualliFarms, whichmeans“ThePeoples’Farms”inNahuatl.Cultivationon thefarmfocusesonMexica/Chichimecancropssuchas pipiche,papalotl,yauhtli,izote,jicama,andnopalli.Heisalso breedingandlocallyadaptingmaize,beans,squash,peas, andpeanutsfromhisgreatgrandparents'homelandsof Guanajuato,Mexico. HisresearchonutilizingancestralMexicacultivation methodologiesformaizewaspublishedthroughtheUSDA's SustainableAgricultureResearchandEducation(SARE Publication:FNC19-1161).Hiscurrentworkfocusesonbuilding equityinagriculture,developingnewfoodsystemstoend foodapartheidintheUS,andestablishingfoodasapublic workviathePeoples’CenturyFarmproject.Moreinformation canbefoundatMaseFarm.Org.

Pampi CULTUREWORKER,NEIGHBORHOODGROWPLAN

JulieA.Garreau EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR,CHEYENNERIVERYOUTH PROJECT (she/hers)

JulieistheexecutivedirectorofthenonprofitCheyenneRiver YouthProjectonSouthDakota’sCheyenneRiverSioux Reservation.Overthelastthreedecades,Juliehasguided CRYP’sdevelopmentfromaone-roomyouthcentertoa campusthatincludes“TheMain”youthcenter,Čhokáta Wičhóniteencenter,WaniyetuWowapiLakotaYouthArts& CultureInstitute,WinyanTokaWinGarden,andthreesocial enterprises theKeyaCafe&CoffeeShop,theKeyaGift Shop,andtheseasonalLeadingLadyFarmersMarket.

A2016-18BushFellow,Juliealsoservedasa2012Bush FoundationNativeNationsRebuilderFellow,earnedaBush PrizeforInnovation,andreceivedboththeSpiritofDakota AwardandthePresidentialPointsofLightAward.

In2019,shereceivedtheAmericansfortheArts’ArtsEducation Award,andtheNationalCenterforAmericanIndianEnterprise Development’sprestigiousTimWapatoPublicAdvocateofthe YearAward.

(he/him)

TevinGray OWNER/OPERATOR,KEEPERSOFTHEGARDENCCTX

TevinwasborninCincinnati,Ohio,andgrewupinvarious statesthroughouthislife.FromMarylandtoIndianaandnow Texas,Tevinhasalwayshadapassionfornatureand exploringtheinnerworkingsofalllivingthings.Movingaround allowedhimtoexplorethefloraandfaunaofvariousplaces andmakefriendsthatenjoyedalltypesofoutdooractivities.

Currently,TevinworksatCorpusChristiMontessoriSchool, runninganoutdoorclassroomwhereheisabletoprovidea uniqueteachingenvironment.Thestudentshavemultiple on-sitegardenswheretheyharvestfoodweeklyandthen learnabouthowtocook,preserve,orevenselltheproduceto thelocalfarmers’market.

TevinalsorunsKeepersoftheGardenCCTX,anurbangarden teachingsustainablelifeskillswhileprovidingfruitsand vegetablestothelocalcommunity!Helovesmakingbow-drill fires,practicingsurvivalskills,cookinganicemeal,and exploringnewplaces.

EricaHall

BOARDCHAIR/VICECHAIR,FLORIDAFOODPOLICY COUNCIL/SUNCOASTSIERRACLUB (she/her)

EricaHall,M.S.CED,MBA,ARM,hasamulti-disciplinary backgroundasacommunityeconomicdevelopment practitioner;communityorganizer;environmentaljustice advocate;boardmember;justice,equity,diversity,and inclusion(JEDI)facilitator/trainer/consultant;andseniorlegal professionalwithinterestsinintersectionalenvironmentalism exploringtheconnectionbetweensustainability,resiliency,food waste,climatechange,foodinsecurity,thebuiltformand placemaking,economicresilience,racial/socialjusticeand equity,housingdiversity,andaffordability.

EricaiscurrentlytheBoardChair/ExecutiveDirectorofthe FloridaFoodPolicyCouncil,astatewidefoodpolicycouncil workingtoexploreandaddressgapsinthefoodsystemin Florida.EricaisalsoExecutiveCommitteeVice-Chairofthe SuncoastSierraClub,andamemberoftheFloridaDepartment ofAgricultureandConsumerServices(FDACS)FoodSecurity AdvisoryCommittee.EricaisactiveintheUSGreenBuilding Council(USGBC),AmericanPlanningAssociation,andother environmentalandneighborhoodrevitalizationgroupsworking inurbanagriculture,foodadvocacyandpolicy,community

Asapublichealthadvocatewithabackgroundinpolicyand advocacy,Jackieutilizesanequitylenswithapolicy perspective.Sheservesonboardsandcommissions,including maternalandchildhealth,hunger,foodinsecurity,health equity,prenatalhealth,andMedicaidaccessibility. WhileworkingtowardherPh.D.inpublichealth&minorsin ethnicstudiesandfoodandcultureinsocialjusticeatOregon StateUniversity,Jackieutilizesherlawdegree(fromWillamette University)tohelppeoplenavigatecomplexsystemswhere citizenshipstatuscan presentbarriers. engagement,nonprofitmanagement,boarddevelopment, environmentaljustice,neighborhoodrevitalization,historic preservation,andcommunityeconomicdevelopmentatthe federal,state,andlocallevelsinNYC,LosAngeles,Washington DC,Atlanta,andnowthroughoutthestateofFlorida.

JackieLeung

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR,MICRONESIANISLANDER COMMUNITY&ASSISTANTPROFESSOROFPUBLIC HEALTH,LINFIELDUNIVERSITY (she/they)

StephNiaupari

FOUNDER,PLANTITAPOWER

Stephisanorganizer,storyteller,strategist,andmaster gardener.In2019,theyfoundedPlantitaPower,anationalfood andbodyliberationmovementthateliminatesbarrierstofood accessforQTBIPOCindividuals.StephfoundedPlantitaPower afterfeelingmisgenderedandlimitedinlocalurbangardening spaces.Theirmissionistohealthesecommunitiesbybridging resources,centeringlanguagejustice,andprovidingtoolsto growgardensinalltypesofspaces.

AsanEcua-Yorker,theylivebetweentwoworlds,four languages,andtheintersectionsofmanycommunities.Intheir work,theybringover8yearsofextensivegenderequityand publicpolicyexpertisewithanintimateknowledgeofpeople acrossclassandculturallines.Theyhavebeentherecipientof theLiisaKauppinenAwardforExcellenceinPolicyDevelopment andResearchandaCongressionalHispanicCaucusInstitute Fellowship,andwerenamedWeAreFamilyFoundation2020’s YouthtotheFront“Frontliner.”

Currently,astheEqualityOutreachManageratGrindr,they buildglobalrelationshipstoelevatetheworkofLGBTQ+ advocatestousersonissuesthatmattertothemthemost: safety,sexualhealth,advocacy,andmore.

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR,THEEDIBLESCHOOLYARD

localfoodadvocateandfarmtoschool ver15years.PriortojoiningTheEdible SchoolyardProject,shewasthedirectorofProjectLearning Garden&ProjectGivingGardensatCaptainPlanet Foundation.

ShewasalsotheOutofSchoolTimesectordirectorfor HealthMPowers,whereshecreateda“farmtoafter-school” programinpartnershipwithBoysandGirlsClubsofMetro Atlanta.ShehasbeenapartnertoCaptainPlanetFoundation since2010withthelaunchoftheschoolgardenprogramin CobbCounty.

Shetaught7thgradelifescienceandengineering,and foundedarooftopgardenwithstudentsatMaynardJackson HighSchoolthatquicklygrewintoagardentocafeteriapilot. Sheenjoyspracticingyogaandmeditationinhersparetime.

AshleyRouse

NakiaHillarySims

BLACKGIRLBUBBLETEA,NATIONALPUBLIC HOUSINGMUSEUM,TAYLORSTREETFARMS (she/her)

Nakiaisanadvocate,motivatedtoensurethateveryonehas accesstosafeaffordablehousing.Herfather’sdeathfroma heartattackattheageof46sparkedherinterestsinthe intersectionalityofrace,food,health,generationalwealth,and housing.TobridgegapsbetweentheBlackandAsian communitiesshestartedBlackGirlBubbleTeawithhertwo daughters.Youthareempoweredtobeanti-racistandlearn aboutculture,allwhiledrinkinghealthyversionsofbubbletea.

ShestartedHillaryConsultingServicesprovidingpublicpolicy andcomplianceservices.HerworkasaTexasHouseof RepresentativesBusinessandIndustryCommitteeClerkandas aMickeyLelandCongressionalInternallowedhertokeepa pulseonpolicyandregulatorychanges.Sheishelpingdevelop theNationalPublicHousingMuseum(NPHM)onlinecooperative storeandagarlicgardenatTaylorStreetFarms.

ShereceivedherBSfromtheUniversityofHoustonandherJuris DoctoratefromtheUniversityofTexasSchoolofLaw.Duringher studyabroadinAustraliasheenjoyedhikingwhilecampingat KakaduNationalPark.Nakiaisamotivationalspeakerusingher livedexpertisewithanon-visibledisabilitytofightstigmaswhile advancingopportunities.

KaitlynisanOjibweseedkeeperhelpingestablishgrassroots collectiveSeedsOurRelativesinherancestralhomelands.She learnedtogrowfoodandseedsalongsideherrelativesat Gitigaaning,theplaceofthegardens,theFondduLacBandof LakeSuperiorChippewa’sfarm.HergreatuncleAwsawdumiban (LelandDebe)wasinstrumentalinfoundingtheGitigaan ProgramatNagajiwanaangandhelpedstartcountlessgardens andorchardsonthereservation.Asatribalemployee2020-2023, KaitlynrantheGitigaanProgram,helpedlaythegroundworkfor thetribe’snewAgriculturalDivision,establishedadome-shaped greenhouse,grewproducefortribalprograms,equippedthe seedroomatNa’enimonigamig,andtendedaseedgardenin partnershipwithanOjibwelanguageimmersionprogram.She hasbeenaproducerintheBimaaji’idiwinProducerTraining Programsince2020.Sheisgratefultohergrandma,lategreat uncle,mentorsandelders,aswellastheUpperMidwest IndigenousSeedkeepersNetwork,forhelpingherfindherway withancestralseeds.KaitlynisadirectdescendantoftheFond duLacBandofLakeSuperiorChippewa.

KaitlynWalsh

SEEDSOURRELATIVES (she/her)

FarmerMichellefoundedandrunsxastsqit(hastsqueit),which translatestoGoodRainFarminthetraditionallanguageofthe sngaytskstx(Sinixt).MichelleisofSinixt—alsoknownasArrow Lakes—ancestry,aFirstNationsPeopleofOkanagancountryof BritishColumbiaandnorth-centralWashington.

Sheisafirst-generationfemalefarmerstewardingtheland, decolonizingdiets,connectingwithherancestry’scultural traditionsandfeedingpeopletohelprestorehercommunity’s foodsovereignty.

She’sanenthusiasticmemberofthenextgenerationof farmersandexcitedtocreateacooperativebusinessthat helpsbuildandsupportthecooperativeandsolidarity economiesforamorejustandhealthyfutureforher community.

BeyondoperatingGoodRainFarm,Michelleengagesinall levelsofeducationandadvocacy,sittingonseverallocal, regional,andnationalcommitteesthatfocusonsupporting, networking,andresourcingthefoundationofourfoodsystem: farmersandthelandstheysteward.

MichelleWeek FARMER,GOODRAINFARM (she/her/s)

Conclusion

Thejourneyforwardtoredesignourfoodsystem towardliberation,healing,andsovereigntyisnot aneasyone;norisitonetakenalone.Social transformationrequiresnotonlysteadfast commitmentandperseveranceofindividual actorsandleaders,butthatofacollective our sharedactions,lessonslearned,andacommunity ofcarethatnurtureseachotherandthelandson whichwearehumbledtoserveasstewards.

Thisroadmapoffersstrategiestocreateconditions thatwelcomecommunityagencyandleadership inguidingresilientandjustfoodsystems,aswellas practicestouncoverandaddresssystemicpolicies thatmaintainwhitesupremacy.

Weinviteyoutojoinus,tobepartofthisongoing movement.Wewelcomeyourstories,wisdom,and visiontowardacommunity-poweredfoodsystem. Wehopethiscalltoactionsparksinspiration, dialogue,andtransformativeaction.

WorkingDefinitions

Ableism

Asetofbeliefsorpracticesthatdevalueanddiscriminate againstpeoplewithphysical,intellectual,orpsychiatric disabilitiesandoftenrestontheassumptionthatdisabled peopleneedtobe‘fixed’inoneformoranother.Ableismis intertwinedinourculture,duetomanylimitingbeliefs aboutwhatdisabilitydoesordoesnotmean,how able-bodiedpeoplelearntotreatpeoplewithdisabilities, andhowdisabledfolksareoftennotincludedatthetable forkeydecisions.”

Community-poweredfoodsystem

Afoodsystemthatcenterstheneeds,decision-making, andownershipofthepeoplewithinacommunity, prioritizingspecificgroupsandpeoplesmostimpacted byfoodsysteminequitiesinshapingsolutions.We recognizetheimportanceofself-determinationand agencyinthisconcept,anduplifttherightofthepeople inacommunitytodefinewhatcommunitypowerinthe foodsystemmeanstothem.

Equity-centeredandhuman-centered designframeworks

BIPOC

Whenusingthisterm,wearereferringtoBlack,Indigenous, andotherpeopleofcolor.

Co-design

Aparticipatoryapproachwherecommunitystakeholders cooperativelydevelopsocialinnovations.Itacknowledges historicalprocessesandstructuralinequalities,and recognizesdifferentialpower,accesstoresources,and participation.

Agrowingfieldthatoffersaunique,creativeproblemsolvingprocessbasedonequity,humility,integrating historyandhealingpractices,addressingpowerdynamics, andco-creatingwiththecommunity.Thisdesignprocess focusesonacommunity’scultureandneedssothatits memberscangaintoolstodismantlesystemicoppression andcreateafuturewithequityforall. TheCreative ReactionLaboffersonemodelandapproachthat informedtheCommunityFoodSystemsFellowshipprocess.

[1] FromtheCenterforDisabilityRights:https://cdrnys.org/blog/uncategorized/ableism/ [2] FromtheCreativeReactionLab:https//crxlaborg/shop/p/field-guide-equity-centeredcommunity-design

Foodapartheid

CoinedbythefarmerandfoodactivistKaren Washington,thisconcept“asksustolookattheroot causesofinequityinourfoodsystemonthebasisof race,class,andgeography.Let’sfaceit:healthy,fresh foodisaccessibleinwealthyneighborhoodswhile unhealthyfoodaboundsinpoorneighborhoods.

‘Foodapartheid’underscoresthatthisistheresultof decadesofdiscriminatoryplanningandpolicydecisions. Itbegsthequestion:Whatarethesocialinequitiesthat yousee,andwhatareyoudoingtoaddressthem?”

Foodsovereignty

FirstdevelopedbyLaViaCampesina,thisgrowing movementreferstotherightofthepeopletoownand definetheirownfoodsystem.TheDeclarationofNyéléni describesitasthe“rightofpeoplestohealthyand culturallyappropriatefoodproducedthrough ecologicallysoundandsustainablemethods,andtheir righttodefinetheirownfoodandagriculturesystem. Itputstheaspirationsandneedsofthosewhoproduce, distribute,andconsumefoodattheheartoffood systemsandpoliciesratherthanthedemandsof marketsandcorporations.”

Foodsystem

Thewebofinterconnectedrelationships,structures, processes,andpoliciesthatcreatesthelandscapefor howfolksconnecttofood—includingfoodpolicies,the growthoffood,foodsupplychains,mutualaidnetworks, institutions,marketplaces,restaurants,andmore.

Foodways

Thecultural,social,andeconomicpracticesthatimpact howfolksrelateandconnecttofood.

Theconceptthatheterosexualityisthepreferredand normalwayofbeing. Heteronormative

[3] YoucanlearnmoreaboutKarenWashingtonhere:https://wwwkarenthefarmercom/about

[4] FoodSovereignty,USFoodSovereigntyAlliance http://usfoodsovereigntyallianceorg/whatis-food-sovereignty/

Landback

LANDBACKisamultigenerationalmovementrootedin thelonglegacyoforganizingandsacrificetoget IndigenousLandsbackintoIndigenoushands,with currentbattlesbeingfoughtallacrossTurtleIsland,to thenorthandtheSouth.Beyondjustacampaign, LANDBACKisa“politicalframeworkthatallowsusto deepenourrelationshipsacrossthefieldoforganizing movementsworkingtowardstruecollectiveliberation. ItallowsustoenvisionaworldwhereBlack,Indigenous &PeopleofColor(POC)liberationco-exists.”

Landreparations

Arestorativeprocessthatincludesarangeofactions thatseekequitabledistributionofland,includingthe returnofland,landreclamation,rentpaidforland,or taxespaidtoBlackandIndigenouscommunities, andotherpeopleofcolor,inordertoacknowledgethe violenthistoryofcolonization,racism,andtheftofland that—withinthecontextoftheUnitedStates—were perpetratedbyeuropeansettlersandcontinuetobe perpetuatedthestate.

BasedinIndigenousknowledgesystems,thisreferences theotheranimals,plants,andlandinwhichweshare kinshipwith. Morethanhuman

Participatoryresearch

Anapproachtoresearchthatdirectlyinvolves collaborationwiththoseaffectedbytheissuebeing studied,withthepurposeofyieldingchangeoraction.

Rematriation

RematriationreferstoamovementledbyIndigenous womenandtwo-spiritpeopletoreclaimandrestorethe righttofoodandthesacredrelationshipsbetween Indigenouspeopleandancestralland,honoring matrilinealsocieties,andinoppositionofpatriarchal violenceanddynamics.Effortssuchaslandrematriation focusesonrestoringindigenousspiritualrelationships withIndigenousfoodsystems.

[5] DefinitionfromNDN.Learnmorehere:https://landback.org

[6] LandReparationsandIndigenousSolidarityToolkit,ResourceGeneration: https://resourcegeneration.org/land-reparations-indigenous-solidarity-action-guide/

[7] DefinitionsbytheSogoreaTe LandTrust Learnmorehereathttps://sogoreate-landtrustorg /what-is-rematriation

[8] DefinitionsbyWabanakiREACH.Learnmorehere:https://www.wabanakireach.org/the art of rematriation

Settlercolonialism

Thistermreferstowhen“thecolonizercomestostay,and assuch,thedistinctionbetweenthecolonyandthe imperialnationislost.”Astructurebuiltongenocide, settlercolonialism“isenactedthroughpracticeslikethe creationofreserves,residentialschools,enfranchisement, andabductionintostatecustodyaswellaspracticeslike theextractionofnaturalresourcesthroughmining, pipelines,andmore.”Thisincludestheimpositionofthe colonizers’ownculturalvalues,religions,laws,and enactmentofpoliciesthatdonotfavorIndigenous Peoples,andleadtolandseizureandcontrolofaccessto resourcesandtrade.

Settlercolonialisminvolvesthe“totalappropriationof Indigenouslifeandlandratherthantheselective appropriationforprofit,asisthecaseinotherformsof colonialism.Itisalsodistinctfromotherformsof colonialismbecausethecolonizercomeswiththe intentionofmakinganewhomeontheland,andassuch insistsonsettlersovereigntyoverallthingsintheirnew domain.”

Stewardship

Takingcareofsomethingwithcare,intention,and valueofwell-being.Thisismostoftenusedin relationshiptolandstewardship,whichinvolvestaking careoftheearth. [8] [9]

Acknowledgements

Thisresourcewasco-designedanddevelopedbythe2022 CommunityFoodSystemsfellows,withcontributionsand editsbyVitalVillageNetworksstaff,JeiLaura,DianaRivera, andRenéeBoynton-Jarrett.Thankyoutothemanypartners, designers,andpractitionerswhosecontributionsand guidancemadethisresourcepossible.

Suggestedcitation:

VitalVillageNetworksCommunityFoodSystems Fellows.CenteringCommunityLeadershipandPower foranEquitable,Sustainable,andJustFoodSystem: CollectiveRecommendationsandGuidingPractices andPrinciples.Boston,MA:BostonMedicalCenter, 2023.

Coveranddocumentartandillustrations,originaldesignby:

RaphaellaBriceofRaphDraws

GraphicDesign:

SegunAkinboye

Copyediting:

AbbieLangston

Specialthankstohuman-centereddesignpractitionersand advisors,SamanthaZuckerandAgncy.

TThisresourcewasfundedbytheRobertWoodJohnson Foundation.Viewsheredonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsof theFoundation.

www.vitalvillage.org