By Anita Boen

SFUSD Food Justice Committee Leader

It's an exciting time to live in San Diego. On Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25, over 700 people gathered at San Diego State University to listen, teach and learn what we can do to create a more just and sustainable food system.

As in previous years, the Third Cultivating Food Justice Conference was organized entirely by volunteers and all Conference activities were offered free of charge, including breakfast and lunch both days. Food for the Conference was donated by Suzie's Farm (harvested by gleaners the day before the conference,) OB People's Coop and Jimbo's Naturally. The food was prepared and served entirely by volunteers.

Primary financial support was provided by Slow Food Urban San Diego, SD Roots, San Diego Food Not Lawns, Bulthaup/Tender Greens and grants obtained by SDSU students.

Setting the stage for the weekend's activities on Saturday morning was a panel addressing the topic, "What is Food Justice."

48 Workshops covering topics ranging from local urban agriculture to understanding federal food policy were offered during the 2 day conference. (The complete program, including a list of workshops and some video of keynote sessions, plenary sessions and some workshops can be found at www.sdfoodjustice.org)

A pre-lunch networking session was the perfect opportunity for conference attendees to learn more about the diverse groups working together to share their expertise and resources to further our common goals. Board members Dominick Fiume, Candice Woo and Steph Johnston staffed the outreach table on Saturday for SFUSD. Volunteer Kat Alexander on Sunday. Thanks to all for sharing the Slow Food mission and vision with the conference attendees.

Saturday's keynote speaker, Raj Patel, author of The Stuffed and Starved and The Value of Nothing, offered a global perspective to the challenges faced in the struggle to create a food system that is good, clean and fair.

With all the enthusiasm generated by Saturday's activities, Sunday's session opened with a panel offering their thoughts on "Maintaining Momentum."   

Sunday's keynote speaker was local farmer Barry Logan, director of the La Milpa Farm in Escondido.  Barry is one of San Diego's most eloquent and tireless voices for sustainable agriculture in San Diego.

As the leader of SFUSD's Food Justice Committee it was an honor to have been part of the Organizing team.  The experience of working with such a dedicated and talented group of volunteers was truly inspiring. The diversity of the people of San Diego was represented at the organizing table as well as attendees. Please learn more on how you can help Cultivate Food Justice in San Diego www.sdfoodjustice.org and join the cause to insure good, clean and fair food is available to all.