Future Roots Locally Grown Guide - Catalog - Page 34
GATHERING A FOOD COMMUNITY
A
ccess to healthy, locally grown food should be a right, not a privilege. Yet, economic
barriers make obtaining nutritious, local food difficult. Fortunately, community-driven
initiatives are expanding access, educating people on seasonal cooking, and bringing
neighbors together around shared meals.
A strong local food system thrives when the entire community comes together to grow,
prepare, rescue, and share food. We spoke with The Hunger Coalition (THC) about how you
can help create a more inclusive food system for everyone.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Community gardens are a direct way to support local food access. THC offers volunteer opportunities at Hope Garden in Hailey and the Bloom Community Food Center Garden in Bellevue.
Volunteers help with planting, soil preparation, weeding, and harvesting. The produce goes
into The Hunger Coalition’s food distribution and community meals.
These “Volunteer for Veggies” events run from June to September on Mondays (5:30 - 7:00 pm)
and Wednesdays (5:30 - 7:00 pm) at the Hope Garden in Hailey, and Thursdays (10:30 am - 12:00
pm) at the Bloom Community Food Center in Bellevue—no registration required. Every volunteer takes home fresh produce! Visit thehungercoalition.org/community-gardens for details.
THE COMMUNITY KITCHEN
The Bloom Community Food Center’s Community Kitchen offers opportunities for everyone to
help, from experienced chefs to beginning cooks. Volunteers come together to prepare nutritious free community meals, served every Monday (4-6 pm) and Thursday (12-2 pm).
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