Hello Farm Friends,
During 2020, The Cutting Veg is dedicating one farmers’ market per month in support of Black agricultural initiatives and organizations doing work to serve marginalized communities. Last month we raised $1300 for the Afri-Can Food Basket,(AFB) at Sorauren Farmers’ Market, and thank you to those of you who took the time to learn more about AFB, or perhaps made a donation.
This month, for our last market of the year, we will be raising money for Greenest City at Sorauren Market on October 26th. Come get some veg and support Greenest City at the same time!
Greenest City is doing critical work in Toronto to promote health, support community action, and enhance social and environmental justice. Rooted in the values of diversity, respect, personal growth, leadership, collaboration, and righting relations, Greenest City’s work spans across various marginalised populations in our community.
Anti-racism and equity are core values that underlie Greenest City’s work. One example is the Milky Way Garden – a community garden used by an adult ESL class. The class is supported by Greenest City to grow fresh, healthy, organic veggies for their own use. Many of these students are refugees from Tibet, who were used to growing food for subsistence, but were unable to afford them in Canada. Thanks to the great work of Greenest City, the participants now have their own community garden in which they can grow food, healthy relationships, and their sense of belonging in Canada.
During COVID-19, access to healthy, affordable food has been a major challenge for many people in the GTA. In response, Greenest City has:
- Distributed 200 boxes of fresh produce weekly to people in need in the community.
- Increased its food production in community gardens to support over 190 people in getting access to fresh produce.
- Supported their Indigenous partners and community members in holding ceremonies and online gatherings – integral to the spiritual, physical, and mental health of the Indigenous community.
- Partnered with other local front-line organisations to support them and their community with grocery cards, space, and mutual aid efforts.
In short, Greenest City continues to do critical work around the key issues of our times. I hope you will take a moment to learn more about Greenest City and their amazing work. I also hope you will consider MAKING A DONATION.
Thank you to all of you who are working each day to end racism and to build an ethical, sustainable food system
Keep Livin’ on the Veg!
Daniel
P.S. Learn more about how to get involved with Greenest City here.
