At the invitation of Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan, Steve Fortenberry (front row) represented Goodness Grows and Common Ground Church at a PR event held at the White House. Also in attendance were Jon Carson, Director of Public Engagement for the White House and Sam Kass, Senior White House Adviser on Food Policy, along with local food practitioners from across the country. The focus of the "virtual conversation" was to highlight the USDA's new web tool, The Compass, which gathers information on how the many programs of the USDA are supporting local and regional food systems. This site will prove to be a great resource for those in the field.
Youngstown Urban Ag Work with Gardens, People Recognized
The pioneering urban gardening and food justice work of Goodness Grows in Youngstown South Side and East Side neighborhoods was recognized recently at Youngstown State University. We received the “Community Service Award” from the YSU Office of Student Diversity Programs at its 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Breakfast in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.
GG Program Director and Executive Director receive Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Diversity Award for Community Service on January 19 at Youngstown State University.
Among more than 300 attendees were Pastor Steve Fortenberry, founder of Goodness Grows; Paul Bowman of Columbiana, a recently retired board member; Jeff Crouse, Common Ground worship leader; Meagan (Zeune) Tehua, program director; and Greg Bowman, executive director, who accepted the award. This was one of 11 different honors for individuals and groups that have made outstanding contributions to strengthening relationships within communities of color and the broader community.
In presenting the award, William J. Blake, director of the office of student diversity programs, highlighted the need for better nutrition and food access for all people in Youngstown, particularly those in “food deserts” where it’s most difficult to find and afford fresh, local healthy food. (Our new project to put a garden within a courtyard at East High School extends this service, thanks to a robust of community partners. More on this soon!)
Also honored at the breakfast was the Rev. Jim Ray, a Presbyterian pastor from Youngstown, who has remained active in serving international students at YSU after tenure as campus pastor was completed.
Thanks to Dr. Lashale Pugh, a member of the event’s organizing committee and of the Goodness Grows board, for nominating us to this high honor.
Goodness Grows from Goodness Grows on Vimeo.
Urban Ag from Goodness Grows on Vimeo.