Exploring the Clark County Food System

I am taking a break from my usual garden blog to talk about something different. Recently I became a member of the Clark County Food System Council. I was invited to apply by a couple of friends who are already members and I was voted in (yay me!). I went into it sort of blindly, not really knowing what it is all about. It turns out it's important, really important. The purpose of the Council is "To have a healthy community and thriving local food system". What better time than right now to be a part of this? In the center of the most unsafe food time are regular people who are trying to figure out how to eat better and be able to afford it at the same time. Part of the Council is focused on Community Gardens. There are some great ones in Clark County but not nearly enough, as the plots sell out almost instantly. That is why Lisa and I decided to do this neighborhood garden project. It is a little expensive at first, but once we have it all laid down the upkeep is certainly more manageable. If more people understood how much healthier and affordable growing your own food is, I believe more would do it. Yes, in 2009 more people have purchased seeds, tools and chickens but we have a long way to go. There is a lot more education that needs to be out there. I am lucky, we know lots of farmers and our resources are only a phone call away, but not everyone is so fortunate.

In our neighborhood there are so many ethnic backgrounds it is hard to know where to start. Eventually I would like to get each one together and have cooking classes followed by a feast. Show me how you cook, show me the vegetables you need, come over here and grow them. Tonight is the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association Meeting. We're going. We are putting it out there. Wanna get yummy veggies? Get over here and start growing. The local Minit-Mart is not a place to find your daily vegetable requirements but that is really all we have in this neighborhood. Time for a change.

I am proud to be involved in the Food Systems Council. It is an honor to be the only Chef on a panel full of such diverse people in this community. I believe I can make a difference and this is why I did it. If I stop believing, then my time is up. We can all collectively make a difference. there are so many groups and organizations in the County devoted to the passion of growing healthy, natural food. If you want more info, let me know. If you want to be involved, it is easy. Be a part of the Revolution. Whether you call them Recession Gardens or Victory Gardens, it means the same thing: Communities gathered together to make a difference.