Dear GardenShare supporters,
As an organization, GardenShare’s primary focus has always been on addressing inequalities and creating a more equitable food system for all.
The fight for food justice cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice. We cannot fight for food security without understanding the inherent intersections of race and food. Nor can we overlook the important work that has been and continues to be done by minorities and people of color to combat injustice in the food system.
We are committed to our work to ensure food security for
all
St. Lawrence County residents and this should especially include Black residents and the Black student population that makes up an integral part of our county and communities. We are proud of the work that we’ve done to redefine our mission through the lens of justice, but to restructure the food system we
must
address racial disparities and inequalities.
We are inspired by our neighbors who are taking a stand against injustice and the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Nina Pop, Tony McDade, and in support of so many other Black individuals who have been victims of the systemic racism and oppression that run rampant in this country.
As an all-White led organization, we recognize our inability to fully understand the struggle of our Black neighbors but we understand the role we
must
play in seeking out, listening to, and amplifying their voices.
We see you, we hear you, and we are standing with you in the fight for justice.
Black lives matter.
In solidarity,
The Board of Directors and Staff
Patrick Ames, Sarah Bentley-Garfinkel, Carlene Doane, Valerie Ingram, Sonja Jensen, Anneke Larrance, Jennifer McAvoy, Carol Pynchon, Sanford Stauffer, Lee Van de Water, Angela Villeneuve-Bronson
