From the Director – A Farewell to Minnesota Food Charter Champions

I write my final “From the Director” with mixed emotions.  Next week, I will be stepping down as Director for the Minnesota Food Charter Network and moving on to work as the Public Policy Director at HOME Line, a Minnesota tenant advocacy organization. 

It has been a great honor to work with you for the past two and a half years. 

A food system that works for all Minnesotans is essential.  Too many people face hunger. Too much food gets wasted. Too many farmers can’t make ends meet.  Too many communities have or are just a few short years away from losing their only grocery store (and thus, their access to healthy and affordable food).

Despite challenges like these, I am more convinced than ever that a better food future is possible because of your inspiring persistence.  Thousands of stubbornly focused people are working on the local, state, and/or federal levels to advance Minnesota Food Charter strategies.  Thank you.  Thank you to the various Network teams and local food councils for your multi-faceted approaches to advancing better food skills, environments, and infrastructure.  Thank you to the advocates working at the State Capitol and/or city councils for better food, farming, and anti-hunger policies.  Thank you to the many state agencies and local governments for incorporating Food Charter strategies into your programs and planning efforts.  Thank you to the funders for supporting this work at so many levels and in so many ways.  Thanks to the sustainable farmers and gardeners; thanks to those promoting farmers markets and/or food hubs; thanks to institutions for buying local; thanks to Farm to School and school garden promoters.  And thanks to everyone who follows, shares, and/or acts upon the news and updates we share from around the state. By working and learning together, we can attain healthy, safe, and affordable food for all.