Local Growing the Focus of Collaborative Report in Council Chambers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2009

For more information, please contact:
Charlotte Zietlow, Economic Development Coordinator, Middle Way House, 333-7404
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov




Bloomington, IN - Sustenance, local food production and sustainability will be the focus of a presentation to be given by representatives from nine community organizations on Monday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. in the City of Bloomington McCloskey Conference Room, 401 N. Morton Street.

The report is the final piece of a 2006 grant awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture to the organizations, with Middle Way House as the lead agency, to develop a local food growing system. The project, entitled Growing A Healthy Community, stemmed from concerns raised by many in the community about additives and preservatives in processed foods and the effects of rising fuel costs.

The goal was to expand delivery of healthy, locally grown food to children and seniors through existing partnerships with Monroe County nonprofit organizations while building a sustainable, lasting community food system to play a role as a piece of the local economy. The three-year plan also included the construction of a community kitchen, operated by Middle Way House, and the development of comprehensive business plans for the long-term health of the whole system.

"This grant has enabled these organizations to come together in a collaborative spirit to build something lasting and sustainable, and I thank everyone involved in this long process for their commitment," Mayor Mark Kruzan said. "Charlotte Zietlow has a gift for bringing together different elements of our community for a common cause, and her efforts in shaping the work of this group are immensely appreciated."

Nine organizations were involved in the grant application process and the subsequent work that has resulted. In addition to Middle Way House, other participating organizations include the Local Grower's Guild, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, the Center for Sustainable Living, Bloomingfoods, Hoosier Hills Food Bank and SEED Corp.

For more information on Growing A Healthy Community, please contact Zietlow at 333-7404.

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