Our final day at the Delta Fresh Foods Conference in Cleveland, MS, focused on mapping a collective, action-based path toward the participants’ envisioned future of healthy communities across the Delta. Conference attendees built on the historical context of the Delta food system created on the first day, to develop a vision of a successful future as it related to food systems. Groups presented their visions creatively through songs and skits (more than one reference to the Grammys was heard), and the energy and momentum of this richly diverse room was carried over into a brainstorming session of identifying areas of common ground.Stakeholders from across all sectors (policy, health, education, agriculture, food services…) agreed to commit to nine areas of commonly held values and priorities in their communities: entrepreneurship, a chemical-free environment, civic engagement, physically active citizens, healthy public policies, better collaboration, self-sufficiency and education around food and nutrition. From there, realistic projects were identified and the group unanimously agreed to continue working together under the auspices of “Delta Fresh Foods.” Finally, smaller action committees were formed around distinct program areas such as resource mapping, nutrition education, developing school gardens, network building, and more.
At the end of two hard-working days, more than one participant commented on how energizing and unique it was to work collaboratively across a diversity of community sectors. Commitment from a broad spectrum of stakeholders is a critical element of sustainable community action, and Delta Fresh Foods shows all the signs of success. In the words of one group’s future vision:As we envision our community ten years from this particular time and date,
Beginning with the family would be the ideal starting point to contemplate.
First, let’s instill in our children respect for all forms of life and all creation.
Next, put down the video games and avoid becoming a disconnected nation.
Right outside our front doors, we want to see concerned citizens and clean places to play-
Walking tracks, beautiful parks, sustainable business and no crime to dampen our day.
A return to the old ways of educating would help this vision come to pass-
Remember twice a day recess, physical education and home economics class?
Since we’re on the subject of school, let’s focus on healthy choices for breakfast and lunch,
Fresh fruits and vegetables in cafeterias would reduce diabetes and obesity a whole bunch.
Let’s not forget our farmers for they are quite the critical piece.
Could you imagine what we could do with their involvement and expertise?
They could provide nutritious choices and alternatives to the quick unhealthy meal.
Policy makers could entice farmers markets and cut these guys a better deal.
Community gardens on each corner would surpass the food they produce in worth.
Simply because they bring people together and reconnect children to the earth.
Our vision for the future includes increasing graduation rates for all of our youth-
Leading us forward in collaboration, independence, innovation and truth.
Some may say our community of tomorrow is full of dreams and empty ambition,
But a focus on collaboration and a willing spirit will bring our 2020 community into fruition.
