317 | The Intersection Between Community Food and Justice with Erika Allen
Our guest this week on the pod is Erika Allen. She is the Co-Founder and CEO-Strategic Development & Programs for the Urban Grower’s Collective and the President of Green ERA Education and Co-Owner of Green ERA Sustainability Partners. She has been involved in the community food and justice space since 2002.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of our host, Zelizer Consulting Services.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Transcript of The Intersection of Community Food and Justice Interview with Erika Allen
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You can read the full transcript of this episode here.
Key Topics and Bullet Points
Topic: Erika Allen's Work in Community Food and Justice
Building a farm and engaging youth in urban agriculture
UGC teaches youth to grow food and sell it at a farmer's market
Art on the Farm project showcasing black teens working in visible space
Emphasizing the importance of food production in urban areas
Growing 150 varieties of global cultural foods
Leading to people sharing recipes and stories about food
Mentoring and apprenticeship with experienced individuals in the community
Emphasizing the importance of engaging leaders in municipal and urban environments
Impact of urban agriculture and community food on mental and physical health
Reclamation and remediation of spaces
Addressing climate change
Topic: Scale and Activities of Urban Growers Collective
Multiple sites and activities during the growing season
Land preparation, stewarding space, maintaining balance, and reflecting on past efforts
Success of the community-supported agriculture subscription box
Partnership with a logistics partner
Problem-solving and training efforts
Expansion of orchard programs
Receipt of a grant for urban edible forests
Initiatives related to composting, methane capture, and soil health
Topic: Synergy of Community Food, Wealth, and Transformation
Using urban agriculture as a catalyst for community wealth and transformation
Reconnecting with the community's legacy
Impact of apprenticeship on the organization's growth and development
Topic: Responsibility and Curiosity in Social Justice Work
Assessing existing efforts before launching new initiatives
Identifying unsung heroes in the community
Support for existing initiatives to achieve collective goals
Topic: Erika Allen's Journey and Motivation
Transition from art therapy and public health to urban farming
Reclaiming food growing as a healing force
Addressing historic exploitation of communities by the food system
Power of fresh produce in addressing food insecurity and inequity
Developing urban agriculture in Chicago
Utilizing accessible spaces for growing food
Transition to focus on urban farming and food insecurity
Need for understanding existing systems and addressing root causes of food security and inequity
Topic: Urban Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptation
Adapting growing practices to climate change
Return to indigenous food practices
Responsibility for food sustainability
Topic: Impact of Urban Growers Collective
Impact on mental health and community involvement
Service to the Earth and stewardship of the land
Impact on millions of people
Topic: Future of Urban Growers Collective
Transition to responsible vertical farming and energy production
Partnership with architecture biennial and creation of an artist makerspace
Employment and volunteer impact
Training and engagement programs
Climate resiliency and reducing environmental impact
Working in partnership with plants
Topic: How to Support Urban Growers Collective
Year-end giving campaign
Website visit, newsletter signup, and progress tracking
Amplifying Erika's work and considering donation or help