New FoodFutures volunteer and FoodFriend Hilary Thomas is on a mission to understand the partnership and the people that make it tick…
‘Your mission should you choose to accept it (and I did!) is to understand FoodFutures and to generate opportunities for other people to understand more about it too.
Let’s be clear, there are plenty of people who do understand FoodFutures, so this isn’t mission impossible!
But for those on the periphery like me – loosely connected (as I’ve been seeing it) via the composting network – it’s been a bit unfathomable.
There is information out there but I had no ‘scaffolding’, no beginning point – I had sight of a part but not of the whole.
This, then, is the start – for people like me.
As I’ve come to understand it, FoodFutures is about creating a movement that shifts the way we relate to each other and to food.
I could write more about that and the aspirations I’ve been learning about (food justice and sustainability and an emphasis on the importance of working relationships) – but maybe better to say what I’ve found ‘on the ground’.
The story so far: I’ve been meeting with the co-ordinators of the different elements of FoodFutures.
There are activities linked to composting, gleaning, food clubs, cooking, and the Thrive magazine which shares what’s going on.
In talking to them I wanted to find out about their roles and how other people like me might learn more, get a taste (what we’ve been calling, getting ‘opportunity to shadow’) or find a way to contribute.
It quickly showed me the systems-based approach that is FoodFutures: each element connected to the next.
What has stood out for me is the commitment of these people to what they’re doing – they are driven, there is no cynicism, just enthusiasm.
I have been inspired! It’s a precarious living (grant funding dependent) but I saw no self-interest and I bet you they are all working longer than their contracted hours.
While I have become aware that there are many layers of activities associated with FoodFutures and that I’ve so far only touched the tip of the iceberg – for me right now, it’s the people of FoodFutures I’ve found out about.
I am liking what I’m finding!
