MOUNTAIN ROOTS FOOD PROJECT

Description

The programs and activities of Mountain Roots promote the holistic role that food plays in creating a healthy society on both a community and individual level, including: building community; developing capacity; enhancing individual, community and environmental health; supporting cultural integration and educational growth; fostering social justice; raising awareness and illustrating the community benefits of the growing, harvesting, preparation and serving of food. In pursuing these activities, Mountain Roots will impact on the public’s understanding of the value of sustainable agriculture, community food systems, and their part in sustaining community.

Mountain Roots is a community-driven grass roots food systems initiative that started in 2010 under fiscal sponsorship of our community foundation. Our first 2,100 sq.ft. Urban Garden produced 600+ pounds of food that was donated to local food pantries, schools, and offered as work-trade for volunteers. We launched our Farm-to-School effort for the 2010-11 school year with local food lunches at one K-12 school, the building of two youth gardens, and a pilot summer camp program.