19
Jun
Racial Equity in the Food System Gathering – Wed, June 25th
The PVGrows Racial Equity in the Food System Working Group invites you to: Racial Equity in the Food System Gathering Wednesday, June 25th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Nuestras Raices 329 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 Click Here to RSVP The Racial Equity in the Food System Working Group is committed to deepening our shared... Read More
24
Mar
Over 40 Food System Advocates attended an “Undoing Racism” training in May
On May 4th, 5th and 6th, participants dedicated to creating a just and healthy food system attended a training by the People’s Institute for Survival & Beyond, a national multiracial network of anti-racist organizers and educators dedicated to building a movement for justice by ending racism and other forms of institutional oppression. The training was an intensive... Read More
14
Feb
Why is PVGrows Inviting Our Members to an Undoing Racism Training?
I attended my first PVGrows Forum last Spring. I had been hearing about PVGrows and its work from my friends and colleagues in the Food Justice movement in Springfield where I live. I was not sure if it would be a good fit for me though. As former PVGrows Intern Kamilah Weeks suggested in her... Read More
13
Feb
Reflections on Diversity and Inclusion in Western Massachusetts
Recently, I had the good fortune of participating in a two-day intensive “Undoing Racism” workshop hosted by a local group of the same name – the Undoing Racism Organizing Collective (UROC). I’d like to share with you some of my reflection on the workshop, and why this topic is important to The Food Bank and... Read More
18
Dec
Slow Money Pioneer Valley hosts first “Entrepreneur Showcase”
The Slow Money PV Chapter was pleased to host its first Entrepreneur Showcase on January 28, 2014. Six local food system entrepreneurs told their story to interested investors. Over 80 PVGrows members attended this event, designed to provide investors with concrete opportunities to align their dollars with their values. Plans are underway to replicate this successful event... Read More
01
Dec
Spring Forum Video Clips- Local Food for Schools, Hospitals, & Other Institutions
The PVGrows Spring Forum was held May 22, 2013 at UMass Amherst. Thanks to UMass Dining Services for being our Lead Sponsor. Local Food for Schools, Hospitals, & Other Institutions How can we advance Farm to Institution connections in the Pioneer Valley? Thanks to Jessica Tanner and Northampton Community TV for this great video. You... Read More
05
Jul
Funds Available to Farm and Food Businesses
The PVGrows Loan Fund has announced our new partnership with the Fair Food Network. Pioneer Valley farm and food businesses applying for loans from the PVGrows Loan Fund are now eligible for business assistance funds. “This is an exciting development for local farm and food businesses who might be considering financing an expansion, but who don’t have... Read More
03
Jul
Two New Publications on PVGrows Investing in a Healthy Food System
Creating a Community Investment Fund and The 25% Shift detail benefits and best practices of food localization. Today PVGrows is pleased to announce the publication of two new documents featuring our finance work— Creating a Community Investment Fund and The 25% Shift, both written by Michael H. Shuman, a fellow at Cutting Edge Capital, in... Read More
02
Jul
Request for Proposals to Administer the Pioneer Valley Grows Community Food Fund
The PVGrows Finance Working Group (FWG) seeks an administrative partner (or partners) to assist in the design, development, and rollout of a new $2.5M investment fund that is intended to replace the existing $750,000 PVGrows Loan Fund. PVGrows expects the new, larger fund – now called the Community Food Fund (CFF) – to provide flexible,... Read More
08
Apr
Slow Money PV Chapter Meeting – May 22
The Slow Money Pioneer Valley Chapter is pleased to host its third meeting on May 22nd. The chapter formed in 2012 to catalyze community-based investment in the local food system by connecting investors, farmers and entrepreneurs in order to strengthen our local and regional food economy. Since our last meeting, we have formed a leadership... Read More