A letter from our Board of directors

Dear Bountiful Cities Supporter,
 
Whether it is managing grief, holding on to moments of joy, or some other response, each one of us has our own experience and ways of dealing – perhaps changing daily – with the COVID-19 outbreak.  In recent weeks, I have been struck by both the significant human toll and the outpouring of support for one another in our communities.  As I reflect on so many responses to the pandemic, I am reassured by the work that Bountiful Cities is doing, and has been doing since its inception.
 
Today, as always, Bountiful Cities remains committed to partnering with community groups, focusing on dialogue, trust and community needs, to create urban agricultural spaces.  We know now, more than ever, how important it is to share agricultural skills and resources to promote social justice and economic viability.*
 
As Bountiful Cities gets seeds in the ground and harvests cool-weather veggies, we have our eyes set on the coming months, recognizing that long-term food security efforts must be part of a coordinated response.  We center racial and economic equity by working with existing partners and communities that invite our collaboration, supporting the community garden network, maintaining local school gardens, and ensuring that gardening tools and supplies are available to community and individual gardeners.  At the same time, we continue to co-build capacity of communities for growing food, such as identifying land and providing technical assistance through our advocacy efforts and engaging in residential services through Grass to Greens.
 
The victory gardens of the past must be reshaped for today’s world, so that we are growing with and for each other, not only now but into the future.  We know that people of color and people with lower wealth have once again been the most devastated because of the failings of our political, social, and economic systems.  Only when communities act with their own self-determination are our systems and outcomes different, and better for all of us. 
 
As you read Bountiful Cities’ newsletter, I hope you will note the ways that the staff and organization continue to join with each other and our partners to sustain the fundamental shifts necessary to move forward and be healthy.  If you can support these efforts now, please donate.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support of Bountiful Cities.  We hope you are well and safe, send you the very best, and hope to see you soon.
 
Keep well,
Ameena Batada
Chair, Bountiful Cities Board