GVI and our partners believe that we must look beyond the notions of diversity and inclusion, and proactively focus on becoming an anti-racist organization; not doing so will only continue the cycle…

GVI and our partners believe that we must look beyond the notions of diversity and inclusion, and proactively focus on becoming an anti-racist organization; not doing so will only continue the cycle of poverty and maintain the existing power structure within our community. Through this project, we will build the foundation for a just, equitable local food system in bridgeport. This will be done through the work of GVI, youth ambassadors, ctcore organize now!, the bridgeport farmers market collaborative, and other community-based and evaluation partners. We will increase demand for bridgeport-grown and bridgeport-made food, while creating the infrastructure for increased production. Our farmers markets will evolve from food access locations to inclusive, safe spaces for the community, practicing non-exploitive food commerce and programming. We will significantly increase consumers' awareness of farmers markets, retail POP-UPS and food pantries, especially among bridgeport's low-income residents and individuals and families enrolled in snap. New urban farming business and value-added food businesses will be developed and trainings will be provided, increasing bridgeport-grown and bridgeport-made food.GVI's reservoir community farm will undergo a process to become a model of inclusive and non-exploitive agriculture and food commerce. We will document our process and learnings, creating a model that other farmers markets and food organizations in bridgeport. Ctcore organize now! Will take a leadership role in training organizations and businesses in anti-racist, non-exploitive practices and community engagement.a youth food justice ambassadors program, led by ctcore organize now! Will be developed to lead the community in identifying and developing a vision for a local, community-driven food system. Youth will participate in organizing and advocacy trainings through the guidance and leadership of ctcore organize now! Youth will lead urban farm tours and workshops in agriculture and food justice. Youth will also assist other organizations in implementing listening sessions to identify and develop the community's vision for a local food system. We will increase farmer training programs and identify new land access opportunities for new farm operations led by and serving the bridgeport community. Partner organizations will assist with business development, vending, and land access training and education. Our processes, lessons learned, non-exploitive and anti-racist practices and models, will be shared throughout bridgeport and with other community-based organizations.