Urban Growers Collective’s Post

Hot off the press - via Winston Churchill Trust (Australia) MEDIA RELEASE 25 January 2024 Churchill Fellow Nick Rose calls for $500mn edible garden fund in the wake of #costofliving and #supermarket pricing enquiry   Following today’s announcement by Prime Minister Albanese addressing the escalating cost of living and concerns over supermarket pricing, Churchill Fellow Dr Nick Rose advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes increased support for #communitygardens and urban farms as a sustainable solution.   Nick has called for a major expansion of community gardens nationally as an investment in #foodsecurity, but also as a preventative #publichealth measure, calling for a $500mn Edible Gardening Fund.   "Community gardens are literally the grassroots solution to the challenges posed by market concentration and rising food prices. They empower individuals, strengthen local communities, and contribute to food security," Nick adds.   Nick asserts that community gardens play a vital role in addressing not only the economic challenges faced by citizens but also the broader issues related to health, environment, and community empowerment.   "Community gardens are not just about growing food; they are about growing resilient and connected communities," states Nick. "In the face of rising costs and concerns over supermarket practices, community gardens present a practical and empowering response."   In a recent conversation addressing these critical issues, Nick underscores the importance of community gardens and urban farms, particularly in the context of the ongoing review led by Craig Emerson.    Nick acknowledges the significance of the supermarket review, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the challenges faced by consumers. He suggests that community gardens, operating on a non-commercial, volunteer-led basis, can and do provide a sustainable alternative to traditional food supply chains.   Nick draws parallels between the review's focus on supermarket pricing and the impacts of market concentration on farmers. He points out that community gardens represent positive and democratic community-led responses to market failures and government inaction in various sectors.   As part of their strategy, Nick and his team at Sustain: the Australian Food Network call upon key decision makers and government figures to advocate for the funding and support of a nationally coordinated network of community gardens and urban farms. Nick also continues to engage with influential figures in the media to amplify his messages and raise awareness about the importance of community-led initiatives.   Nick’s Churchill Fellowship report can be read here: https://lnkd.in/g3PFP-uA.   Contact for interviews:  Rachel Sirr, Media Officer, Phone: 0410 881 775 | 02 6247 8333  Email: Rachel.sirr@churchilltrust.com.au    

Today the Federal government provided some vital relief to low and middle income earners in Australia, through a long overdue revision of the deeply unfair #Stage3 tax cuts. As the #supermarket pricing inquiry begins and the Government considers its response to the national #foodsecurity parliamentary report (Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond), I reiterate the call we made two and a half years ago following the 9,140 responses to the Pandemic Gardening survey: for the establishment of a $500mn national Edible Gardening Fund to massively expand #communitygardens and #urbanagriculture across Australia. We spend more than $200 bn every year on dietary-related ill-health and declining mental health. Why don't we spend a tiny fraction of that - less than 1% - investing in positive, community-led, preventative health programs and projects? $500 mn would create over 3,000 meaningful jobs, provide dignified food security with high quality food to tens of thousands of Australians, build community and create urban infrastructure for climate resilience. It's a no-brainer!

Here's a glimpse of our AU-BEES in the most recent Our Work Seminar, Bees: Life in the Colony and Their Impact on the Farm. 🐝 Catch the full version on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eAvyhx6J

"La Placita Oaxaqueña’s success matters not only to Lopez and her neighborhood, but to businesses and communities across California. Making the sale of fruits and vegetables cost effective to corner markets and convenience stores could unlock access to wholesome food for millions in low-income communities across California and improve health outcomes. As of 2015, nearly 3 million low-income Californians lived too far from a full-service market to access affordable nutritious food, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. For urban communities, that means more than one mile and for rural communities, more than 10 miles." Check out this great article highlighting our Healthy Neighborhood Market Network program that is largely supported by City of Los Angeles's Economic Workforce Development Department. It's been over 10 years since the inception of the program and we continue to evolve to increase impact in the communities we serve. https://lnkd.in/gRu7yVK6

Check out the impact of State Farm in 2023! How can I be there for you in 2024?

A quick snapshot of 2023. What a year of helping more people in more ways! If 2024 is a year that you take a chance on yourself and learn what it takes to be a great State Farm Agent - reach out and let's talk.

On Memorial Day, we honor those who have served our country. We extend our wishes for a meaningful day, from all of us at Waldner North America. #WeAreWaldner #Waldner #WaldnerNorthAmerica #packagingequipment #fillingandsealing #foodpackaging #foodmanufacturing #foodprocessing #packagingindustry #foodindustry #MemorialDay #memorialday2024

The Schmidt family is honored by Oregon State University for Excellence in Family Business. Read about their Generational Development Award and five of the family's favorite trees in today's blog. #TreesAreTheAnswer #WereGrowingNewIdeas #ShadeStartsHere #KeepCalmPlantTrees #FamilyBusiness #Trees #UrbanForestry

Get Your Greens On! 🌱 We are still in awe of the incredible Seed to Spoon workshop, and it has inspired us to dive deeper into the captivating herstories of Collard Greens in our latest blog post. From their rich cultural significance to their remarkable journey from seed to table, we celebrate the legacy of these greens and the hands that cultivate them with passion and love. #PalenkeExperience #CollardGreens #SeedToSpoon #Herstories #PalenkeExperience #FoodBlog #newblogpost

#UNG is on the MOOOOOO-VE. Come see why and how UNG is leading across the board (and on the farm)! #BoldForward #UNG #agriculture #UNGLeads #cattle #poultry #poultryindustry #poultryscience #UNGCSM