[RP TownTalk] Farmers Mkt and FJC 20743 Update

[Sarah Combs]

Hi Folks!


As y'all know, The Food Justice Coalition of 20743, experimented with a
Farmers Market this summer as part of their long term goal to open a food
co-op in the Capitol Heights Food Swamp (a place where there is an
abundance of fast food but little to no nutrient dense whole food options)
just a few miles away from the Route 1 corridor. While it won't end hunger,
it has been raising awareness in the community to engage and invest in the
local food system. This endeavor also served as an incubator for local
Black owned small businesses, and the produce was supplied by Dreaming Out
Loud, an organization that sells produce on behalf of Black growers to low
income Communities of Color. They accepted SNAP, WIC, etc. Read on for a
market report, next steps for FJC20743, and ways you can help support their
work!


Market report:


Everything came together last minute, and while there were many challenges,
they are deeming the experiment a success. They plan to return in the
spring of 2019! They have learned a lot and are very interested in
community feedback as they move forward with this arm of the
organization. While
the community center parking lot has been a gift in many ways, there is
strong interest in moving the market closer to pedestrian access in an area
that supports more of the undeserved residents in Capitol Heights. FJC20743
will be petitioning to use the vacant lot(s) across from the CH Metro
station. They will also explore collaborating with other orgs and markets
that are active during complementary and/or overlapping date/times. Much
appreciation and continued partnership with the Prince George's Food Equity
Council, Capital Area Food Bank, and Prince George's Park and Planning.


Next steps for FJC20743:


Updated Mission statement: The mission of FJC20743 is to mobilize
communities of color towards reclaiming ownership of our local food system
and ensuring all people can participate in it fairly. They are beginning to
work on a manifesto and wellcome community involvement.


Over the coming months FJC plans to continue building community engagement by
attending and organizing meetings within the community and with local
elected officials.


FJC is organizing a Grocery Walk for April 2019. The walk will start at the
Capitol Heights Metro and end at the site of the Safeway that closed in
early 2017, sparking the formation of the coalition. They are currently
seeking individuals and organizations to help by sponsoring and/or co-host
and organize the event. Please email fjc20743 at gmail.com  to get involved or
ask questions! Please share this with anyone you think might be a good fit!


Learn more here: https://www.foodjusticecoalition.com/who-we-are


Donations are always needed and welcome!


*www.institutephi.org/donate <http://www.institutephi.org/donate> *
 add "Oakcrest Farmers Market" in notes.


Thanks for reading and all the support!


Take care,
Sarah
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