Early in May, our very own Malaika Bishop was invited to attend a gathering and conference in Wisconsin at the Waterfront Riverside Center, situated along the banks of the picturesque Mississippi River. The event was called WomenShare– a gathering of over 150 women who have been working to improve food systems for decades.
The event begins with two premises:
First, our food system is stressed and broken. And second, we believe that women have a unique, powerful role to play in transforming it.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reports that 70% of the world is fed by women.
- According to the USDA, there is a 30% increase in women farmers.
- Women across the globe hold top-level positions in the largest food production businesses and food and agriculture policy-making agencies in unprecedented numbers.
WomenShare is designed as both a gathering and long-term grassroots movement of diverse women leaders from all sectors who are passionately committed to creating real and lasting change in today’s food system.
Through art, theater, yoga, technology, conversation cafes and round tables, the group of women explored the operating principles in effective food systems. One of the key take-aways that this event highlighted is the importance of working together, collaboration and engaging everyone who is involved in food systems leadership to share perspectives, challenges and success in order to move forward
One of the most exciting bits of news is that through Malaika’s time at the conference, she was able to connect with Chef Ann Cooper. Ann helped to lead the transformation of the Berkeley School lunch program. Ann donated 3 salad bars to Live Healthy Nevada County and the plan is to offer salad bars in the 4 middle schools LHNC works with, 7 Hills, Lyman Gilmore, Magnolia and Union Hill.
We are currently in the research and development phase of working out logistics in getting the salad bar program going.
Thanks to Ann and most of all, Thanks to Malaika for traveling cross country to attend such a fantastic event!