A message from our Director, Maddie Chera: |
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| I marvelled at how our members prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 50 gas-powered cars off the road for a whole year, by growing, distributing, and buying local food! (And that’s a low-end figure!) |
I reflected on how we shared the value of our regional food system and the work we’re doing in Greater Cincinnati at national and state gatherings like the USDA’s Women’s Health Equity Symposium hosted by Food Policy Council (FPC) Member Fran Knox-Kazimierczuk and the Indiana Food Vision event hosted by FPC Member Pam Rieke. |
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Now that we’re fully into January, I’m looking with fresh eyes at the year ahead. (Side note - I'm excited for my 2025 dinner plans, which will be inspired by healthy recipes from Plan, Eat, Move, the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program, courtesy of FPC Member Rosie Allen!)
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We'll be convening the FPC network in collaborative spaces to ensure multiple ways for you to engage with other food systems advocates. Our FPC Community Manager, Qeiara Manuel-Fuller, worked with our FPC Council Members to brainstorm exciting new options for building stronger connections, sharing our expertise, and engaging new food systems advocates. More details will be coming soon about how you can join us in those spaces. |
In the meantime, I have a bittersweet update: Qeiara will be moving on from their role with the FPC at the end of this week. They are undertaking a new opportunity focused on youth and mental health, issues related to our work and ones that Qeiara is particularly passionate about. Please join me in wishing Qeiara much success in this new adventure and recognizing the care and thoughtfulness they brought to the FPC. |
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Qeiara shared a parting message with our FPC Council Members last week that filled me with hope for this next chapter: |
“With the challenges facing our climate and food system growing, our collective impact work is more important than ever. This year holds so much promise, and I am excited to see the incredible work that will unfold in policy and advocacy, as well as the collaborations that will continue to strengthen the FPC's mission.” |
Hear, hear! I couldn’t have said it better myself! |
| Qeiara Manuel-Fuller, back row left. |
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| Cheers,
Maddie Chera, PhD
Director, Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council |
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Reply to this email to reach Maddie, or reach out to FPC Community Manager, Qeiara, for general information or to get involved in a Policy Committee at qeiara@greenumbrella.org |
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Member Spotlight: The Urban Farming Initiative |
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The Urban Farming Initiative (UFI) invigorates American communities by organizing and coordinating circular food systems in neighborhoods and cities. UFI’s work includes creating and supporting community gardens, running urban farms, and improving access to local food through their digital platform, the Urban Farm Network. As a Leading Level Member of Green Umbrella, UFI values the impactful efforts of this Regional Climate Collaborative to address climate change in our region. UFI is hosting a Food As Medicine mini-conference this month—see more in the events section below.
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Interested in becoming a Green Umbrella member and collaborating on future events? Learn more today. |
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We are so fortunate to have one of the most esteemed food writers in our area, Polly Campbell, as an FPC Member. Polly is known for her years covering the food and dining beat for The Cincinnati Enquirer and recently as a contributor to other beloved publications like our sponsor Edible Ohio Valley. Polly is sharing her insight, perspective, and storytelling skills to spotlight some of the incredible work that other FPC Members do. Together, we’re sharing profiles on a series of posts on our FPC page, where you can now find brief pieces on Emalee Richman of Rich Life Farm, Reba Hennessey of Your Store of the Queen City, and Alan Wight of numerous educational institutions and Cincinnati’s Foodshed: An Art Atlas. Get inspired by these food system leaders and stay tuned for more installments!
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Speaking of Cincinnati's Foodshed: it was recently published as a beautiful coffee-table art book, a result of several years of dedicated effort by Alan and MANY contributors and supporters. You can learn more and order the second edition at the website here. |
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Jan. 22, 10 am-noon, 1819 Innovation Hub at UC, Cincinnati |
University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub and the Urban Farming Initiative are putting this event on for anyone in the community who wants to learn more about how food impacts their body, in particular in the context of healing and preventative medicine. |
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Jan. 18, 1-3 pm: OEFFA Policy Film Screening Series: Feeding Tomorrow, Yellow Springs, OH
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Jan. 19, 1-4 pm: Permaculture Skills: Terracing and Forest Restoration with Cincinnati Permaculture Institute, Treasure Lake
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Feb. 2, 1-3 pm: Introduction to Sustainable Home Food Production, Gorman Heritage Farm
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Feb. 13-15: OEFFA Conference 2025, Newark, OH
- Feb. 21, 28 & March 7, 6- 8 pm: Beginning Beekeeping Series, Civic Garden Center
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Professional Opportunities |
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The Summit Planning Committee is seeking speaker and breakout session proposals through the recently extended deadline of Jan. 31. Last year’s Summit brought together 650 passionate leaders and featured 100 speakers, with a big presence from our FPC network. We want to keep those conversations going and growing this year! Sustainability leaders from across the Midwest are invited to share the stories of their impact and successful partnerships in the form of a 50-minute discussion panel, 50-minute interactive workshop, or 5-minute short talk. Artwork and performance proposals, award nominations, and sponsorship opportunities are welcome. Contact Maddie or Green Umbrella's Charlie Gonzalez with questions!
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More opportunities & resources: |
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What interesting thing have you been chewing on recently? |
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“I just checked out The Bean Book by Steve Sando and Julia Newberry from the library in hopes of getting more plant based meals into the rotation. I’m also constantly listening to The Rest is History podcast. Two British historians that tackle nearly every topic, including food. Their episodes on the history of chocolate and the history of Italian food were fascinating.” - Kristine Cahall Dosch |
Farm to School and ECE Coordinator, Food Policy Council |
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“I ended 2024 reading Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. It’s the perfect perspective to bring into the new year. We’re all very passionate people with good intentions to do it all! Essentialism begs us to be selective about our ‘yes’, and minimize our commitments in order to bring more attentiveness, thoughtfulness and intention to those things that matter most." - Qeiara Manuel-Fuller |
Community Manager, Food Policy Council |
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Do you have a must-read/-watch/-eat/etc. you want to share with fellow members? Email us with your suggestion for the chance to be included in our next newsletter! |
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The Food Policy Council Is Sponsored By: |
Edible Ohio Valley Urban Artifact |
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Green Umbrella leads cross-sector collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati. |
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