We sent out our last newsletter on May 28. Three days earlier a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota knelt on George Floyd's neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds, thus killing him. It's not an exaggeration to say that things have changed since the video of that fateful day became public.

Across this city, our country, and the entire world people are protesting in a manner reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement. For Black Americans this is a pivotal moment in this movement toward racial equity, while in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.

Food Justice Network continues to partner with other organizations to provide wraparound services for people in communities of color who test positive for COVID-19. Urban Agriculture Collective Community Market Days are in full swing and community members are sharing in a bountiful summer harvest. City Schoolyard Garden Coordinators are caring for robust gardens and working on curriculum and planning for the new schedule when schools reopen.

But Black people are still losing their lives. Our work has been and will continue to be rooted in equity. You can click below to read our statement about this moment—which includes some resources to learn more as well as support local Black businesses.

From all of us at Cultivate Charlottesville—a hearty thank you to the many new supporters that have pitched in to keep our work going to build food equity during COVID-19 and beyond.

Zinnias and potato flowers at the 6th Street Urban Farm

 MEET A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM                                     

 CITY SCHOOLYARD GARDEN                                            

Another summer season is upon us, and with it another round of Youth Food Justice Interns, COVID19 edition! This year we are joined by Manny, DaTayveyus, Ally, Lynaisha, Aina, Sethaun, Hallie, Rosy, and BriAsia. This is our largest group of youth interns yet; they bring years and years of gardening experience throughout their school careers, and we are so grateful to spend this (masked and distanced) time with them.

Throughout the summer we will learn all about food in Charlottesville—particularly how to grow, distribute, and otherwise access it—while supporting CSG, UAC, and FJN initiatives. So, if you see a hard-working group of teens out around town farming in face masks, be sure to give them a shout of encouragement and congratulate them on a strong start during this intense season.

— Miss Shannon

Youth Food Justice Interns on their first day of the summer 2020 session; Interns plant rows of sunflowers

 URBAN AGRICULTURE COLLECTIVE                               

What was old is new again. Cultivate Charlottesville’s Urban Agriculture Collective is kicking off the 2020 Market Day season, but there’s more to the month of June than Summer heat and fresh produce. June 2020 is the 56th anniversary of the 1964 Freedom Summer Project. That year, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) launched a Black voter registration campaign in Mississippi.

Like all movements, the Civil Rights movement was powered, in part, by the food and music of the people. When collards and catfish were cooking on the stove, they were simmering to the soundtrack of revolutionary music, like the Impression’s, People Get Ready.

To honor those who came before us and for those who are fighting for change today, we submit our revolutionary food and music recommendations for Freedom Summer 2020.

At this time of the season, we have lots of greens, so consider our breakfast selection, a Revolutionary Greens Quiche, made with fresh eggs, cheese, and greens of your choice. This dish pairs well with Sam Cooke’s, A Change is Gonna Come.

For lunch, try a hearty Civil Rights Salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or whatever you like. Add some diced cold chicken and croutons to top it off. The Roots’, Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round, is a perfect accompaniment.

Our potatoes will be ready by mid-Summer and make a delicious Power to the People Potatoes side-dish for dinner. “Boil’em, mash’em, stick’em in a stew,” or prepare them however you like. They’re incredibly versatile. We like The Staple Singer’s, Freedom Highway for this dish.

It promises to be a long hot summer, and so we invite you to fortify your body and your mind with good food and great friends, while we all work together for change.

— Farmer Rich 

The abundance of the 6th Street Garden; bags of fresh produce ready for Market Day distribution 

 FOOD JUSTICE NETWORK                                                 

The Food Justice Network has worked directly with countless partners to ensure community members battling COVID, have what they need to come out strong. In partnering with Sentara Hospital, UVA Health, and Thomas Jefferson Health District for testing events, COVID-19 wrap-around services are being provided to people who test positive for the coronavirus and their family members across the City and surrounding counties.

People who test positive for COVID-19 receive food (shelf stable, prepared meals and produce), medications, finances, housing, PPE/sanitation, and additional needs on a case-by-case basis. This is a multi-stakeholder partnership that wouldn’t be possible without UVA Equity Center, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Frontline Foods/World Central Kitchen, UVA Health, Sentara, Salvation Army, Harvest Moon Catering, Charlottesville City Department of Human Services, Thomas Jefferson Health District, Sin Barreras, Cville Cares and the City of Charlottesville.

– Shantell and Gabby

Clockwise from top left: Shantell and Gabby shop for items for community members who test positive for COVID-19; a flyer for a community fair where COVID-19 testing will be available; Sarah prepares bags of fresh produce for wrap-around distribution; materials gathered for community members who test positive for the coronavirus

 CULTIVATE IN THE NEWS                                                 

Local artist Lily Bechtel photographed and interviewed Cultivate Executive Director Jeanette Abi-Nader for Community Climate Collaborative (C3) about the connection between the food system and climate change. Be sure to read C3 Executive Director Susan Kruse's blog posts about racism in the climate movement.

Visit our PRESS PAGE for more articles and interviews!

 EVENTS                                                                               

Visit our new website to learn more and get involved!

At Cultivate Charlottesville we believe that working together to grow gardens, share food and power, and advocate for just systems cultivates a healthy community for all.