Advocacy for Urban Agriculture
At Nourish Syracuse, advocacy is at the heart of our mission to build an equitable and thriving food system. We champion access to essential resources like water for urban farms and gardens, ensuring that small farmers and community growers have the tools they need to succeed. We work tirelessly to make community gardens accessible to everyone, transforming these spaces into hubs of connection, learning, and nourishment. By advocating for small farmers to gain access to local markets, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for them to thrive, while strengthening the local economy.
Education is another cornerstone of our advocacy. We believe that understanding the food system should begin in pre-K and extend to adults, equipping all generations with the knowledge to make informed choices and participate in a sustainable food future. Farming, as we see it, is more than just growing food—it is a powerful tool for workforce development, offering career pathways that uplift individuals and communities alike.
Our vision also encompasses a strong local and regional food system that is informed and empowered by the voices of those we serve. We advocate for healthy school meals so that every child has access to the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Through our work, we are laying the foundation for a food system that reflects the values and needs of our community, ensuring that justice and opportunity are at the forefront.
Guiding Goals
- Build a resident-own supply chain for great food in the neighborhood and grow food businesses that create neighborhood wealth and jobs.
- Permanently secure vacant land for growing by interested residents, so that any people who wish to produce food for themselves or the neighborhood can do so.
- Encourage physical development to support the neighborhood food system, advocating for food interest in planning, building, and community development.
- Expand access to great food for low-income residents building creative new ways to make great food affordable to all.
- Improve the food in our schools, ensuring that youth eating at school are well-nourish with food they enjoy.