The PVGrows Racial Equity in the Food System Working Group was formed in 2013 to investigate and address systemic racism and inequities in the local food system. The group has organized several open gatherings, workshops, and conversations exploring barriers to access, building relationship across individuals and organizations working on racial equity and inclusion, and visioning what a just local food system looks like. We welcome new members to join our leadership team to help guide our work to create a more just and equitable food system in western MA.
This working group:
Connects PVGrows members to local events and training opportunities related to anti-racism.
Hosts discussion sessions for PVGrows members to explore the intersection of race and our work in food system.
Past meetings of this working group:
The first PVGrows “Racial Equity in the Food System” event was a viewing and discussion of Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity, with facilitators Kamilah Weeks (PVGrows, CISA, Smith College) & Anne Richmond (Gardening the Community, Undoing Racism Organizing Collective) was held on Thursday, March 28, 2014.
In this session, we hoped to provide participants with a better understanding of the internal biases, social determinants, and structural powers that inform racism in the United States. The event was open to anyone interested in creating a healthier Pioneer Valley food system, regardless of her or his familiarity with racial justice frameworks.