| Painting of Pomegranate and Shofars by Cindy Lutz Kornet |
I am writing as the Executive Director of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, whereas previously I was the Director of Rachel’s Table, the program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. This change for Rachel’s Table has been significant, and we celebrate this momentous transition at a poignant moment in the Jewish calendar – the new year.
Still partnering with JFWM, our spinoff has meant more authority, more flexibility, and more food. Specifically, this has meant doubling our impact in our first month, July, in Hampshire County alone – see the article about our work with Amherst Survival Center and food security, now and in the future. Our holistic approach to food security is immensely needed and has been well-received, such as with our Growing Gardens program. We may have stepped into a new chapter, but our foundation – our roots – remain the same. Our values of repairing the world (tikkun olam in Hebrew) are fully present in our work. We aim to not only prevent food from going to landfills, save our atmosphere from toxic gases, and deliver locally to support food security, but also to repair broken food systems and inequitable access. And now, in September, which is national Hunger Action Month, we look towards farms – our foundation for food security – in solidarity and support.
In our focus on sustainability and a more holistic and multi-channeled approach to food security, we focus this quarterly newsletter on local farms. “Without farms, there is no food security,” says Cara Michelle Silverberg, RT’s Director of Intercultural Learning and Land-Based Programs. Explore her article on action and advocacy, especially for small farms that face enormous obstacles, and this interview with Kerry Taylor, manager at Brookfield Farm, one of our local partner farmers.
Many of you reading this have helped us reach this moment. We know you will be proud of what your partnership with us has already accomplished:
- Doubled the quantity and quality of food distributed to Hampshire County in one month
- Increased food donor partnerships – gained 12 new food donors in the past 6 months
- Increased farm partnerships – for gleaning and advocating for their support
- Added Brookfield Farm as a donor/partner, donating to RT healthy produce 2x a week
- Facilitated a community-led Growing Gardens training, with several youth-run workshops sharing what they have created with the produce they grew
- All this while creating an office with all systems in full gear!
After a season of storms rivaling the water levels of Hurricane Irene, a seismic shift in our own status, a world of climate crises and post-covid hunger, we thank you for your partnership in helping us continue to create a holistic and sustainable approach to food security in our region.
To a sweet new year to those who celebrate, and to a time when we are all at the table, fed and nourished,
Jodi Falk