West Oakland Food Collaborative
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Formed in 2001, the West Oakland Food Collaborative (WOFC) was assembled to embark upon food issues in West Oakland, California. Organized by the Environmental Justice Institute (EJI), citizens of West Oakland and various agencies, they developed the organization to provide access to high quality, affordable and diverse foods appropriate for all cultures present within West Oakland. “WOFC designed an innovative and comprehensive three-year strategic plan that addresses food security symptoms – such as limited access to affordable and culturally appropriate foods – as well as underlying conditions that disproportionately burden low-income and minority community members – such as economic disempowerment and political disenfranchisement.” 1
After the implementation of a nine month planning process and a grant, courtesy of The University of California, the WOFC identified five opportunities that would provide economic improvement and community involvement throughout West Oakland. These five areas included: a thriving farmers’ market, small business development, a cooperative marketplace, liquor store “conversion,” and community greenspace. 2
The West Oakland Food Collaborative lives by a vision that provides a purpose and a need for a powerful community and relationships. “We believe that integrating various aspects of health, nutrition, economic empowerment and cultural richness build and strengthen a local community base and ability to operate and create an improved quality of life. We strive to address those underlying causes that allow a community to be environmentally unjust, or food insecure, in the first place with sustainable solutions, that also are community-driven, community enriching, and culturally respectful.” 3
[edit] NOTES:
1. West Oakland Food Collaborative, A project of Environmental Justice Institute; http://www.wo-foodcollaborative.org/index.html
2. PolicyLink, Healthy Food Retailing; http://www.policylink.org/EDTK/HealthyFoodRetailing/ToolInAction.html#8
3. West Oakland Food Collaborative, Our Vision; http://www.wo-foodcollaborative.org/page3.html
