As I’ve traveled from farm to farm this year all over the country, I’ve come to the conclusion that urgent action is needed if churches are going to get serious about supporting Black farmers and transforming the food environments of their communities. While churches have a long history of serving their communities with food pantries, […]
Monthly Archives: October 2022
Case Studies Programs Soil To Sanctuary
Case Study: Allen AME and the Soil to Sanctuary Program
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30
Jul
Jul
Case Studies Operation Higher Ground Programs
Case Study: Operation Higher Ground Program
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28
Jul
Jul
BCFSN Updates The Network
Now Accepting Applications: Board Chair of The Black Church Food Security Network
The Black Church Food Security Network is now accepting applications for the volunteer role of [...]
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05
May
May
BCFSN Network, BCFSN Updates, Black Church, Black Farmers, Church Garden, Events, New Beginnings
Our Black Farm Tour In Greensboro, North Carolina Was A Success!
24
Oct
Oct
On Saturday, October 22, 2022, we held a Black Farm Tour in Greensboro, North Carolina. After months of planning with Greensboro residents and leaders, we invited nearly 40 people to join us for this experience. We toured four farms around the Greensboro area and collectively learned so much about what farming and the food system […]
BCFSN Network, Black Church, Church Garden, Ministry Spotlight, The Network
BCFSN Visits ‘Garden of Eden’ At New Birth (Stonecrest, GA)
24
Oct
Oct
On Friday, October 14, 2022, a delegation from The Black Church Food Security Network traveled to Stonecrest, Georgia to visit New Birth Missionary Baptist Church led by Baltimore native, Pastor Jamal H. Bryant. We helped New Birth establish their church garden, which they call ‘The Garden of Eden,” in 2000. The 2500-square-foot garden grows a […]
BCFSN Updates, Events, Maryland, Ministry Spotlight
Dr. Heber Brown, III Recognized As ‘Game Changer’
24
Oct
Oct
In October 2022, Dr. Heber Brown, III was publicly recognized by The Baltimore Magazine as a “Game Changer” for his work with advancing food security and food sovereignty in the African American community. He was recognized alongside a host of other inspiring public servants. We pray that the Black Church Food Security Network continue changing […]
24
Oct
Oct
All year, we have been working behind the scenes to formally establish a youth division in our organization. While young people are always in the picture when it comes to our programming, we felt it necessary to give greater focus to cultivating their genius around food, farming and community. In addition to founding The Black […]
Church Garden, Florida, Jacksonville, Ministry Spotlight
Ministry Spotlight: A Masters Touch Ministry Expansion (Jacksonville, Florida)
20
Oct
Oct
In Jacksonville’s Westside, there is the little church that could. A Masters Touch Ministry was one of the first members of the BCFSN of Jacksonville and their journey has been quite inspiring. Starting last Spring, A Masters Touch began their agricultural journey with 3 small raised beds. Planted in the beds tomatoes, peppers, greens, and […]
20
Oct
Oct
We are pleased to welcome our Director of Finance and Administration, Tamra Perkins! She is responsible for all our Financial Management which encompasses budgeting, accounting, contracts and audits. She will also assist with logistical things like equipment purchases & establishing policies, procedures, and compliance. FUN FACTS: -At 8:00AM on a Saturday morning, you can find […]
07
Oct
Oct
October 6, 2022 marked the 105th anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer; one of our patron saints & guiding Ancestors. Our organization locates ourselves politically in her legacy & hold ourselves accountable by close study of her work and the work of others who have gone before us. Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer […]
BCFSN Network, Black Church, Church Garden, Coordinating Committees, Events, Jacksonville
We Must Unify or Perish
07
Oct
Oct
Not all churches in The Black Church Food Security Network have gardens. Some of our member churches partner with us to host Black farmer’s markets. Other member churches work with us to buy in bulk from Black farmers. We’re not a one-size-fits-all organization because all of our churches are different. The thing we have in […]
06
Oct
Oct
The numbers don’t lie, of all US farmers 1.4% identify as Black yet we make up 13.4% of this country’s population. Of the black farmers, on average they produce 30% less than their white competitors. What factors contribute to those numbers? A system geared against us. The 20th century African Americans lost 326 billion dollars […]