Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Eight months ago I sent a response to a question posed by the White House on LinkedIn: “What are your ideas to end childhood obesity within a generation?” This query was part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s work with the Childhood Obesity Task Force. Responses have ranged from glib to thoughtful, addressing exercise, nutrition, access to affordable healthy food, lifestyle, education, and the role parents and schools play.

My response related to diet and exercise. Living near an elementary school, in a community that still has neighborhood schools – and sidewalks, I am dismayed by the number of children who are driven to and from school each day. I’m also disheartened by the stories I read relating to urban food deserts and the high cost of fresh food relative to nutritionally questionable convenience foods.

I am not alone in my interest in this question. After eight months, my inbox still includes daily posts to this discussion thread. Today, I discovered this video, showcasing The Point, a grassroots urban farming initiative designed to build community, teach children how to grow food, and to feed hungry people. In the South Bronx, people are learning to grow food in pockets of public land, containers, and on rooftops. Communities are being formed and transformed as people reclaim the soil, plant seeds, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor.

Watching the video, I was reminded of Paul Clever’s Good Earth Farm ministry and wondered how other congregations have responded to issues related to hunger, childhood obesity, and food deserts in their communities. Have you developed or are you taking part in community or neighborhood programs addressing any of these issues? Have you transformed part of the church property into an urban farm? And if so, are you willing to share your stories with readers of ECF Vital Practices?