Food Justice Fostering the inherent worth & dignity of every person and nurturing the interdependent web of all existence

Background According to Feeding America,20.4% of people in Philadelphia are Food Insecure - That’s 312,890 people who don’t have enough food to nourish themselves 84,140 of them are children In over 26% of households in Philadelphia’s 1 st District in 2010, a family member went hungry

Background (cont.) What and how we eat has broad implications for our planet and society The mass production of our food supply has resulted in the degradation of our environment and the mistreatment of animals and workers in food production. The food choices we make at every meal have a far-reaching impact on the world in which we live and all the beings that we share it with.

Relevance to First Unitarian As UUs, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person. A part of this affirmation recognizes the need of every person to be nourished, with an adequate supply of healthy food and clean water. We strive for a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. This includes food justice.

Relevance to First U (cont.) We affirm respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. This interdependent web includes the animals we use for food, the environment that we utilize to create that food, and our responsibility to protect both.

Possible Projects Educational programs to foster a congregation knowledgeable and well-informed on the issues of hunger, sustainability and the ethical implications of our food choices. Inter-generational projects to include the RE program Beginning with a local Philadelphia focus

Possible Projects (cont.) Partnering with an urban community farm like the one sponsored by Kensington Neighborhood Advisory Council in Philly’s first District (the most impoverished). Partnering with Philabundance for food drives and other projects. Partnering with the Food Trust, specifically with their Farm to School programs.

Possible Projects (cont.) Introducing and promoting Meatless Mondays for the congregation. Integrating more plant-based alternatives in food oriented ministries, such as the Winter Shelter and any other outreach we become involved in. Partnering with a local CSA or urban farm, such as Greensgrow & the Philly Sustainability Projects.

Measurable Goals and Objectives First Year  Have congregation participate in the 40/40/42 challenge making daily changes to impact food and environmental justice  Two worship services focusing on food justice  Intergenerational food drive in partnership with Philabundance  Implement Sustainability Movie Series  Congregational Food Choice Self-assessment – Pre- and post-implementation.

Measurable Goals and Objectives Second Year  Partner with community urban garden or CSA  Two worship services focusing on food justice  Implement Sustainability Reading Group.  Integrate sustainable, plant-based alternatives in community outreach projects and congregational activities – Winter Shelter and Pot Lucks/Celebrations Third Year  Go global with organizations such as Food First and Small Planet Institute which address world-wide hunger and sustainability.

The Possibilities for Us to Make a Difference Are Endless

A Little Advice from The Lorax… Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. Dr. Seuss, The Lorax