Jeff Dykstra’s Post

"Food Solutions New England (FSNE) was launched in 2011 as a regional, six-state network that unites the food system community around a shared set of values - democratic empowerment, racial equity and #dignity for all #sustainability, and #trust - and strengthens the movement’s ability to achieve the goals of A New England Food Vision. Crafted following region-wide gatherings in each New England state organized by FSNE, A New England Food Vision articulates a vision of a powerful food movement that democratically transforms the food system so that it is sustainable, just, and resilient. "Over the following years, FSNE has focused on four overlapping and interdependent impact areas as a unique and essential contribution to the regional food system - Network Expansion and Movement Weaving, #Equity Leadership Development and Practice, Integrated Regional #Policy, and #Narrative Strategy. Complementary to the work of FSNE network partners, these impact areas drive the strategy of FSNE and the backbone team in stewarding the goals and values of A New England Food Vision. They are designed to support and seek input from the regional #foodsystem community while fostering a collaborative and creative environment for everyone to pursue unique, yet connected, approaches to food-related work. "By supporting the development of a network of compelling, committed, and diverse advocates and practitioners centered around a shared set of #values, actionable solutions that are rooted in communities across the region continue to emerge in pursuit of a just transition of the food system. "Some of the specific projects of Food Solutions New England that intersect with multiple impact areas are: FSNE 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge, Campaign for Climate Resilience, Campaign for Right to Food, Network Leadership Institute, Northeast Food Systems Communicators Community of Practice, FSNE Winter Intensives ... This (net)work is needed now more than ever. Our original commitment was to a generation of work (25 years) and we are half-way there. You can support our work through this link (no contribution is too small!) - https://lnkd.in/eyJHKsw5

What is FARE Idaho? This is a question we get asked a lot! FARE Idaho is a non-profit trade association that advocates for Idaho’s independent restaurants, family farms, retailers, food and beverage producers. Our mission is to connect, align, and promote the shared interests of Idaho’s independent restaurants, family farms, food and beverage businesses. Our goal is to advance independent businesses, increase their financial success and improve the conditions of those who work in our industries. Want to learn more about FARE? Head over to fareidaho.org to read more about our history, values, and advocacy efforts.

SPONSORED POST: 4 Things You May Not Have Known About Eggs…and the Hens Who Make Them. We all know the humble egg is a good source of protein and a breakfast go-to, but that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to this small and mighty staple. To start, though, we believe in buying high-quality eggs. Pete & Gerry’s® Pasture-Raised Eggs come from hens that are responsibly raised on small family farms according to Certified Humane® Pasture-Raised standards. READ MORE... https://lnkd.in/duZdqqqW

The food industry is a complex, global network of diverse businesses that supplies most of the food consumed by the world's population. The food industry today has become highly diversified, with manufacturing ranging from small, traditional, family-run activities that are highly labour-intensive, to large, capital-intensive and highly mechanized industrial processes. Many food industries depend almost entirely on local agriculture, animal farms, produce, and/or fishing. The food industry has a large influence on consumerism. Organizations, such as The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), have been criticized for accepting monetary donations from companies within the food industry, such as Coca-Cola.These donations have been criticized for creating a conflict of interest and favoring an interest such as financial gains. #snsinstitutions #designthinking #designthinkers

I recently visited a local food bank. It is a food bank that picks up produce at a local grocery store. They used to pickup meats near expiration too. They have freezers and as an under-supplied, overburdened food bank, the need is definitely present. In the last six months the same grocery store stopped discounting meats to 50% and started only discounting them to 30%. I know for a fact this has led to greater discard of expired meat. They no longer allow the food bank to pick up near expiration meats. People who wouldn’t be able to afford those foods in the first place, imaginary profits and losses that never existed are their “reasoning” for throwing food away instead. People in need are not the enemy. People in need aren’t hoarding their money greedily and eagerly waiting at the donation doors. The (potential) merger of Albertsons and Fred Meyer terrifies me. They’re already coordinating their sales to justify “see we’re competing with each other and will keep doing so if you let us merge” What all shoppers have realized? Their prices were heavily inflated since first word of this merger to allow “sales” that don’t lose them a penny. Grocery prices are already unattainable for many and only worsening.

Has your co-op, non-profit, business, or organization incorporated DEI into the Board policies and practices? Join us for an insightful panel hosted by the USDA on Equitable Co-op Governance, featuring various cooperatives, including Weaver Street Market. Discover how organizations are integrating DEI principles into their Board practices. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn from industry leaders! https://lnkd.in/eVGq5QK7

The future begins now…

🚫 Don't guess where your food was raised 🚫 At American Grassfed Association, all animals are born and raised on American family farms, on pasture without confinement. If you want to purchase AGA certified products, find an AGA Certified Producer near you at "Find an AGA Certified Producer Near You" in our bio. Or learn more about becoming an AGA Certified Producer at "Become an AGA Certified Producer" in our bio!

19 Days! I have been to 3 different conferences over the past 2 months and the common statement I have heard from most operators was: "Yeah, this all works for the big operators that have hundreds of units because they have resources to do it all. We don't!" I get it! That is why Savory Fund decided to create Restaurantology Summit for Founders and Operators alike that operate between 2-20 units and are wanting growth and scale. How do you get some of this knowledge? Attend - https://lnkd.in/gFahUXTA and learn from others just like you. Don't miss it. 500 others just like you, for only 8 hours. Why? Because we are all busy and we still run the businesses each day. So 3/4 of a day is all we got! See you there! Register Here: https://lnkd.in/g3Z8MjdW #restaurants #restaurantindustry #growthopportunities #funding #realestate #foodandbeverage The Coca-Cola Company Sysco Ecolab Harrington Park Advisors

At Black Farmers Index, we have a relentless drive to support Black growers by amplifying their ventures and providing them with resources to diversify and make agribusiness more equitable. We share stories of those all-too-often overlooked in agriculture and in doing so, are empowering our community and telling the whole story. We do this by offering the largest, free directory of U.S. based Black growers, beekeepers, foragers and fisher folk. We also provide programs and events that bring farmers together and provide real opportunities to grow their enterprises. In turn, this work strengthens the global food systems and feeds communities nourishing, healthy foods. As we near the end of 2023, we’re taking a look back at what really resonated with the communities we advocate for. As an innovative food equity organization that relies on it's supporters to fund our efforts; if we meet our goal of $50,000, it will allow us to focus on what we love most — actively working to ensure that Black farmers thrive. All the while, we can more effectively address food equity, the environment and sustainability. If you believe in the value we bring, will you show us by making a donation today? https://lnkd.in/eDKzkPPW If you believe in what we do but aren’t in a position to give monetarily, show your support by forwarding to friends and colleagues who might be interested in making a contribution. Every little bit helps. https://lnkd.in/eDKzkPPW #givetuesday #blackfarmers #philanthropy #philanthropymatters