Ten years ago, Meredith and Jason Spitalnik, with their band of merry gardeners, planted the first trees in what would become a food, or edible forest at Island Community Farm, the first of now seven garden spaces that Aquidneck Community Table (ACT) stewards.
This fall, we are excited to harvest the first pawpaws and persimmons from our food forest after years of patient nurture and waiting. These first fruits are a cause for celebration, and an example of the planning and determination required to change not only a farm landscape, but also the food system within which farming practices live.
ACT is committed to another form of tenacity, one that will eventually, slowly, patiently, result in changes in the food system itself. A vision in which children learn where food comes from and become ardent stewards of their food future; in which food pantries are no longer needed because we take care of our own; in which healthy food is affordable and widely available, and fast foods - that slowly poison us - have become history, with many preventable food-related diseases in swift decline.
This is the vision holding the work we do. Change will not happen in a year, or even two, but slowly and over time, as we, determined and together, wake up our communities to the urgent need for system change, as fast as we can make it happen!
We know that you understand the need for action because you read this newsletter, and so we invite you to join us in building this vision of a healthier future.
Recently awarded a challenge grant by a generous supporter, ACT is asking our partners – you – to help us take full advantage of the pledged funds that can double every new or increased donation through the end of September, funding that will support our programs, from the school garden at Pell Elementary, to community gardens where folks grow their own food, to farmers markets - which don’t just happen but demand constant planning and organizing!
Please click the button below to make an immediate gift, or consider becoming a sustaining donor with monthly or quarterly gifts. Every gift is appreciated, no matter the size! Donations may also be mailed to ACT, P. O. Box 1481, Newport, RI 02840.
Yet another way to help ACT reach this goal is to forward this email to everyone you know who is ready to join the challenge.
If you would like to learn more about what ACT does and why we do it, please contact us. We are actively recruiting community members to our board and creating new ways for people to volunteer in our programs. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
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