GIVE YOUR FOOD A VOICE!

*Update!* The 10,000 Stories blog is up and running! Visit peoplesgrocery.tumblr.com to view the first stories, learn about whats new with the project, and add your own food story.

Ever wonder what’s in a story? Emotions. Tragedies. Happiness.  What about stories surrounding the food we eat? Many people do not realize how sharing their very own food stories can be empowering, even life-changing for others. We at People’s Grocery recognize the importance of food in our lives and have launched a national campaign: 10,000 People with 10,000 Stories in 10,000 Hours Connecting Over Food on Monday, April 23, to spread awareness about the power of food. (Twitter Hashtag: #10ThousandStories).

            The campaign will strive to connect us with 10,000 individuals who wish to share their personal food stories. These stories will be captured within a 10,000 hour campaign (or 471 days).

The launch kicked off with Celebrity Chef Charles Mattocks, (aka “The Poor Chef”) telling his personal story about how food changed his life.

             The purpose of the #10ThousandStories campaign is to build community through food storytelling. People’s Grocery understands that people there are food breakdowns and food breakthroughs experienced by people daily.  Food Breakdowns occur when people feel disempowered or hopeless about their diet. On the contrary, Food Breakthroughs occur when food becomes a key to health, community building and fun.

            Knowing this, we are issuing a call to action.  We want to hear from you!  We are requesting YOUR food story.  Plus, we want you to invite your friends and family to share their stories with us, too.  Plus, over the next 10,000 hours you’ll be able to follow people from all over the country as they share their stories with us on Twitter, Facebook and our blog. You’ll hear from people such as the People’s Grocery’s Staff and Allies, California Hotel residents, West Oakland residents, culinary establishments, restaurants, chefs, food nonprofits, friends, family, Facebook friends, Twitter followers and others.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY:

We ask that you record your personal food story and post them to YouTube.com and share a link with us on Twitter (@peoplesgrocery), Facebook, or directly on the 10,000 Stories blog.  You can also email them to Victoria.  For those who do not wish to submit a video, we also welcome written stories via facebook, the blog, or in 140 characters on Twitter (be sure to include our hashtag: #10ThousandStories). We also accept submissions in other creative formats: poetry, art, music, or whatever your food story inspires you to share with us.  For more information, please call our office and speak with Victoria Fabella at 510.652.7607 x22.

Stories can be about any personal food experience or individuals can answer one of the following questions: What is your personal food story? What does food mean to you? Describe a personal food breakdown (challenge), Describe a personal food breakthrough (positive food memories/fondness), How are you working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to breakthrough?

Through #10ThousandStories, we will strive to give food a voice while continuing our efforts to provide food justice for all.            

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AND VIRTUAL PLANT SALE

Nonprofit launches digital fundraiser, hosts Third Annual plant sale and holds event to raise awareness

WEST OAKLAND, CA (April 18, 2012) -  Wanting some new additions to your spring garden, or just looking to add a little bit of nature to your home or office? People’s Grocery, a nonprofit organization at the intersection of healthy and economic development in West Oakland, is having an Earth Day Celebration and Block Party on Sunday, April 29, from 12pm to 4pm, at the California Hotel Garden & Greenhouse located at 35^th and Chestnut Street, West Oakland, CA.  The event will serve as the official unveiling of the Chestnut Green Corridor Project.

The celebration will offer plants for purchase (from California Hotel), food, cooking demonstrations, music, family activities (bouncy house and face paintings) and a variety of local vendors such as Hodo Soy Beanery will be there selling their products. The event is a great way to have family fun, learn about healthy food, while raising money to support People’s Grocery and their community efforts.

Available plants include: 20+ tomato varieties, permaculture plants, Southeast Asian herbs, subtropical edibles and standard vegetable varieties - many of the plants being sold have a unique history and are rare to this region. To review a complete list of plants, pricing or more information about the celebration, visit People’s Grocery’s website.

Also in honor of Earth Day, People’s Grocery is launching a Virtual Plant Sale.  Starting Wednesday, April 18, 2012, individuals can purchase a virtual plant and have it “delivered” (via email by the People’s Grocery staff) to a loved one, friend or colleague.  The purpose of the sale is to raise much-needed funds for the organization and it’s a fun, earth-friendly way to give a gift.  Virtual plants are $5 each and can be purchased at anytime throughout the year – making them an excellent gift for Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthday, anniversary or other special occasion.  To purchase a virtual plant, contact the People’s Grocery office by calling 510.652.7607 x22 or emailing Victoria Fabella at victoria@peoplesgrocery.org.

 Check out the Growing Justice Institute video! Meet leaders from West Oakland who are creating their own solutions to food insecurity.