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REPURPOSING PUBLIC SPACE TO MEET LOCAL FOOD NEEDS
On June 2, 2007, a small, dedicated group of people met
at the first Athens Food Activist Networking Session (AFANS)
There had been whispers of a farmers market in years prior,
but through sharing ideas, a concrete plan was developed
that resulted in almost 3,000 people showing up for the
grand opening of the Athens Farmers Market on May 17,
2008. That AFANS meeting demonstrated the power of our
community to transform our public spaces for creative,
non-traditional uses, like community gardens and farmers
markets. Momentum has only built since then, with many
individuals and organizations having similar successes.
But the possibilities and the need for improved commu
nity food systems and equitable access to fresh, healthy
food remains.
We might look north for inspiration. The city of
Toronto has launched an effort to turn public spaces into
community gardens. This initiative aims to help socio
economically disadvantaged youth and other marginalized
community members tap into the local food network.
A well-integrated coalition of non-profit organizations
within Toronto coordinates with the municipal government
to establish local food production, to promote a greater
relationship with the farmers in the region, to provide city
dwellers and youth with education in growing and eating
healthy food, and to establish local community kitchens
that meet multiple community needs. This community
approach to food security also prioritizes food reclama
tion, thereby drastically reducing food waste.
Here in-the Classic City, two downtown parking spaces were
recently transformed into a community garden for a day as part
of International Parking Day on Sept. 17, when parking spaces
across the globe were reclaimed as parks and public space. This
demonstration challenged every passer-by to consider: if these
two parking spaces can be a garden, what are the possibilities
for other spaces that may be similarly overlooked? The exhibit
sparked conversations along these lines: What about my win
dow sill or porch? What about the mall parking lot?
Two parking spaces on College Square were temporarily repurposed as a community
garden on International Parking Day last Sept. 17.
The demonstration also playfully provoked Athenians to
consider the priorities and potential of our town and its
public spaces. Members of the Athens Urban Fjod Collective
(AUFC) collecting reactions from passers-by found that many
Athenians envision open and friendly public spaces through
initiatives like community gardening, eliminating traffic, and
repurposing College Square as a pedestrian mall. Athenians
want non-exdusive spaces that addresrthe larger issues facing
our community, like food production and the elimination of
hunger.
A 2006 study cited by Partners for a Prosperous Athens
reported a 28 percent poverty rate for Athens-Clarke County,
which has only grown worse in the current economic down
town. In ACC, children are especially hit hard: 78 percent of
students in public schools participate in free and reduced lunch
programs. Local schools give away hundreds of bags of food
to students to help them through the weekend, so they are
ensured a meal between Friday's lunch and Monday's breakfast.
Low-income households faced with the inflexible expenses of
rent and utility bills must often compromise food quality,
quantity and nutrition.
Public spaces, parks and schools are resources that can
be more fully leveraged to alleviate hunger and end persis
tent poverty in our community. We know public spaces can
be utilized to address community food issues. The creation
and success of the Athens Farmers Market in Bishop Park
continues to demonstrate that repurposing public space
can be economically and culturally beneficial. Examples in
other cities suggest that even more can be done to align
the use of public space with community needs.
A reconvening of the Athens Food Activist Networking
Sessions has been called to bring together those inter
ested in food security, hunger and community develop
ment in an effort to to build consensus around these
issues and identify specific, strategic courses of action.
This AFANS will take place on Dec. 12 from 2-4 p.m. at
the UGA Livestock Arena, 2600 S. Milledge, close to the
intersection of South Milledge Avenue and Whitehall Road.
There will be opportunities to meet people who have
been working on various aspects of our community food
system, as well as to break out in groups on community
gardening, community kitchens, farm-to-school, food
policy, community food security, and market opportunities
for local producers. Food will be provided by Food Not Bombs.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring friends.
Athens Urban Food Collective
For more information, visit Promoting Local Agriculture & Cultural
Experience (P.LAC.E.) ai localplacc.org.
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A chance for community r,tembers to gather and discuss the
issues affecting our community and the South as a whole.
S*#;Uth
•••
R.S.V.P. to
Claire Boozer or Jessica Bankston
*706-549-4850
| , cboozer@>accaging.org
*Refreshments will be served Those traveling by bus to
the event may be eligible for reimbursement,
www.acca
*■ "V ’ i
DECEMBER 8,2010 FLAGPOLE.COM