August 2009
The Southcoast area has seen an explosion of interest in backyard and community gardens, organic farming, edible schoolyards, and farmer's markets. Spurred on by the threats of climate change and peak oil and inspired by Michelle Obama and other gardening advocates, each new garden plot is a piece of the patchwork that will help us to develop community food security. On Tuesday, August 18th, at 6:30 pm in the New Bedford Public Library, Dr. Deborah Habib from Seeds of Solidarity, will present "Growing Food Everywhere."
This interactive presentation and discussion will cover the basics of the importance of local foods with a focus on health, justice, and the relationship between food and environmental issues. Information about Southcoast developments-- including the Community Garden Coalition, the Food working group of the Regional Sustainability Council, and BCC's new Organic Agriculture Technician Certificate, will be available - and there will be opportunities for all to engage in discussion on the possibilities, joys, and challenges of growing food everywhere.
Deborah Leta Habib, Ed.D is the co-founder and executive director of Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, a non-profit organization in Orange, MA that provides people with the skills and inspiration to grow food and use renewable energy in their communities. She and her husband, farmer and innovator Ricky Baruc, model principles of sustainability on their farm and in their lives through practices and workshops that inspire individuals, schools, and community organizations to 'Grow Food Everywhere.'
Deb has 25 years of experience working with public schools and communities to integrate sustainable agriculture, environmental and multicultural education. Seeds of Solidarity has garden partnerships with eight schools, a hospital and a library, and runs SOL Garden, a nationally known program for teenagers at their site, and are the founders of the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival that ignites the agricultural, artistic, and economic vitality of their region, attracting 12,000 people. Deb is a mother, member of two school committees, and avid cook and eater of great food.
This discussion is hosted by the UMD Office of Campus and Community Sustainability and sponsored by The Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance. For more information, contact sustainability@umassd.edu or phone 508-910-6484.
