Food Justice – The People’s Grocery, Oakland California
Power to the People’s Grocery! More sustainable community gardens and less liquor stores in urban neighborhoods – That’s how change happens.
2009
In West Oakland, California, where liquor stores have replaced markets, Peoples Grocery is creating a healthy alternative, offering access to organic produce. Through urban gardens and local farms, People’s Grocery supports a culture based on connection to the land, sustainable agricultural practices, and regenerating community.
2012
Students from St. Mary’s College put together this video showcasing People’s Grocery staff and telling our story.
Mission and History
People’s Grocery is a health and wealth organization – our mission is to improve the health and economy of West Oakland through the local food system. We pursue positive community change and address social determinants of health through a food lens. We work to ensure that community self-determination plays a large part in the revitalization of low-income neighborhoods.
Over the last nine years, People’s Grocery’s urban agriculture, nutrition, and enterprise programs provided healthy food access while setting the stage for a systemic conversation about healthy food in West Oakland. Organizations across the country have replicated our work, and our leadership development models represent innovative strategies to catalyze resident power in the creation of health equity through food. Our work has raised the profile of food issues within movements addressing health, the environment, economic development, and cultural competency.
The People’s Grocery has started a food story campaign, where people can share food related stories.
“10,000 People with 10,000 Stories in 10,000 Hours: Connecting over Food”
Ever wonder what’s in a story? Emotions. Tragedies. Happiness. What about stories surrounding the food we eat? Many people do not realize how sharing their very own food stories can be empowering, even life-changing for others. We at People’s Grocery recognize the importance of food in our lives and have launched a national campaign: 10,000 People with 10,000 Stories in 10,000 Hours Connecting Over Food on Monday, April 23, to spread awareness about the power of food. (Twitter Hashtag: #10ThousandStories).
The campaign will strive to connect us with 10,000 individuals who wish to share their personal food stories. These stories will be captured within a 10,000 hour campaign (or 471 days).
Here’s a powerful video already submitted to the campaign.
A PRODUCT OF HIS ENVIRONMENT: Joshua Merchant – The Bigger Picture Project
RELATED LINKS
The People’s Grocery
The People’s Grocery 10,000 Food Stories Blog