I’m celebrating the power of cooperative economics thinking about the wonderful fresh greens grown by African-American farmers in North Florida, greens that feed schools where I live in South Florida. Their story is posted on the Food to Schools website, a great example of what cooperative economics can do! http://www.farmtoschool.org/state-programs.php?action=detail&id=23&pid=32
The story of the New North Florida Cooperative Association is also a story of historically African-American colleges making a difference. FAMU’s Cooperative Extension Program was involved in New North Florida Coop accessing the Farm to School Program: http://www.famu.edu/cesta/main/index.cfm/news-headlines/famu-rooted-in-the-history-of-the-first-annual-florida-grown-school-lunch-week/#my-menu
The story of New North Florida Cooperative Association just gets better. They also won a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant., focused on helping historically marginalized and disadvantaged farmers employ conservation methods that make for a healthier environment and a better bottom line. http://www.growingproduce.com/floridagrower/?storyid=5962&style=1
New North Florida Cooperative Association is just one example of how cooperative economics can make a real and positive difference, a winning situation for the whole earth, African-American farmers, school children, and the communities we live in. Habari Gani? What’s the news? Ujamaa! Cooperative Economics!
Heri Za Kwanzaa!
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