Accokeek Foundation Food Justice Series

The Accokeek Foundation’s Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship, in partnership with the National Immigrant Farming Initiative and the Rural Coalition, is proud to present our 2011 Food Justice Series. This series of four open-to-all events will feature a panel of speakers and a period of discussion, and will spotlight the issues that affect food justice on a local and global scale. In recognizing the intersection between sustainable agriculture and a fair and just food system, we have invited farmers, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to address such topics as agricultural policy, food sovereignty, building local and just food systems, achieving food access, and the connection between the environment, our health, and our food. With this series, we hope to cultivate insight and conversation among diverse members of the community, demonstrate opportunities for action with locally based initiatives, strengthen our solidarity, and develop an awareness of the pressing need to restore justice to our food and our land.  

The first event on March 31, to honor Cesar Chavez Day,  will explore the struggle faced by farmworkers and other workers on the land across the globe. Tirso Moreno, leader of the Farmworker Association of Florida, and Board Member of the National Immigrant Farming Initiative and the Rural Coalition will share the experience of farmworkers today. Delegates from the Rural Coalition and National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association will report on Via Campesina’s Global Forum for Life, Environment, and Social Justice in Cancun. Kathy Ozer from the National Family Farm Coalition will discuss food sovereignty and grassroots policy advocacy.  We will then have discussion and socializing, and possibly a special guest.

Each event will be held at the flagship location of Busboys and Poets (14th St. and V St. NW), a progressive community gathering place that reaches a diverse audience of artists, activists, thinkers, and dreamers. The series will take place on March 31, May 12 (Food Access), September 22 (Building Local Just Food Systems), and November 17 (Environment, Food and Health) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The events are free and open to all, we will be accepting $5 donations at the door. For more information or to find out how you can support the series, please contact Molly at 301-283-2113 x32 or check out our website www.accokeek.org