The mission of the task force is to actualize Resolution 001 of the 233rd Annual Convention, to support producers of locally-grown food.
SsAM member Steven Jones has been appointed chairperson. Jones will be putting together a diocesan-wide, five-person task force with the goal of implementing a plan for Camp Arrowhead and Memorial House that meets their internal requirements and supports local farming.
The intent is to have results that will be measurable economically, socially, and environmentally.
The bishop is enthusiastic about the work of this task force and, as Jones will be reaching out for support, encourages interested folks to contact Jones for more information.
The Resolution
233rd Annual Convention, Resolution 1, Support Producers of Locally Grown Food
RESOLVED, That the 233rd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Delaware requests the Bishop and Council to explore the feasibility of allocating a defined percentage of its total annual food expenditure for Camp Arrowhead, Memorial House, and diocesan events, to locally grown food or freshly processed food for meals at Camp Arrowhead, Memorial House, etc., directly through its food service contractors, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this 233rdAnnual Convention of the Diocese of Delaware urge diocesan institutions, schools and parishes, as they provide, prepare and serve meals and distribute food at events and ministries, to make every effort to use locally grown and processed foods, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 233rdConvention encourages further discussion among all parishes and the Trustees of the Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Delaware to plan and implement what can be referred to as the Go(o)d Food Challenge, a potential model for the Diocese.
Explanation
The Diocese of Delaware recognizes that improving the economic wellbeing and vitality of its family farming communities within the State of Delaware could, in part, be driven by increasing the purchasing, serving, and promotion of local food, grown in the Delmarva region: Delaware, and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia.
The Diocese has the opportunity to play a leadership role in strengthening these communities and food sector by:
- Promoting and sharing God’s creation and life sustaining bounty for all Delawareans through supporting these local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and regional initiatives promoting healthy eating and reducing hunger;
- Supporting local food farmers who use sustainable agricultural practices to rebuild regional soil health, thereby becoming better stewards of creation.
- Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by reducing carbon emissions via shortening the diocese’s food service supply chain.
- Affirming the church’s values, connection and commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of its entire parish community.
- Affirming the belief that God’s creation is for all, especially those who are least likely to have access to it.
- Affirming the interdependent relationship between rural and urban, upstate and downstate, farmer and eater, communities.
- Celebrating our local farmers as stewards of creation.
- Establishing a new model which extends the national church’s commitment to its agricultural/-food, relief, and development ministries.
- Building on the Episcopal Church’s reputation as an innovator through faith.
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