Send Courtney to Terra Madre

I am thrilled to have been chosen by Slow Food USA to represent my community - the Lower 9th Ward - and my community-based organization - Backyard Gardeners Network (BGN) - at the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2016 September 22-26 in Turin, Italy. As the coordinator of BGN's Food As Medicine workshop series, I work with people throughout my community (many of whom are suffering from diet-related illnesses) to understand that food truly is medicine and to support them on their journeys to be healthy and free of disease.

As a delegate at the Terra Madre conference this Fall, I will meet and learn from people who come from all over the world to gather around loving the earth by learning where our food comes from, preserving biodiversity and securing a better food future for all. And I will share my knowledge and experience, as well as the story of the Lower 9, with them.

Slow Food USA will generously cover my lodging and conference expenses. I still need to raise $1930 to cover my airfare and per diem expenses. Any amount above the $1930 that I need for this trip will go to the Backyard Gardeners Network's Food As Medicine workshop series.

My deadline is June 12, 2016. Thanks for your support!!

About Backyard Gardeners Network - www.backyardgardenersnetwork.org

The Backyard Gardeners Network is a Lower 9th Ward based nonprofit organization whose mission is to sustain and strengthen the historically self-sufficient and deeply rooted community of the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, LA using our own food growing traditions as a platform to build community, revitalize the neighborhood and preserve our cultural heritage. We currently manage two community gardens in the Lower 9th Ward, the Laurentine Ernst Community Garden and the Guerrilla Garden, and are spearheading the development of the Ernst Garden Resource Center. BGN’s latest project, Lower 9 Growing Strong, enlivens the Guerrilla Garden and engages the Lower 9 community with free community workshops, events and activities for all ages that promote health, close-knit community and self-reliance.


About Terra Madre -
http://www.salonedelgusto.com/en/

Terra Madre Salone del Gusto is the most important international event dedicated to food and gastronomy. An enormous event composed of diverse factors: the MARKET, with exhibitors from five continents, numerous meetings dedicated to the wealth and diversity of global cuisine, street food, the prestigious ENOTECA, conferences examining issues around food production, the FORUMS of Terra Madre’s FOOD COMMUNITIES and more, all with the aim of loving the earth. Together, we’re learning more about how our food is made, preserving biodiversity and securing a better food future for everyone.


About Slow Food USA -
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

Slow Food USA is part of the global Slow Food network of over 100,000 members in more than 150 countries. Through a vast volunteer network of local chapters, youth and food communities, we link the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible.

Our mission as an international grassroots membership organization is good, clean and fair food for all.







May 9, 2016

Dear Friend,

Every two years, Slow Food leaders and communities come together for Terra Madre & Salone del Gusto to share the extraordinary diversity of the global movement for good, clean, and fair food for all.

Delegates from over 150 countries are chosen for their ability to represent the breadth of the world’s food traditions, movements, success stories, and their capacity to take new lessons, ideas, and relationships back to challenges still waiting to be met at home.

This year, Slow Food USA has invited Courtney Clark to be a U.S. delegate for this landmark food and farming conference, running September 22-26 in Turin, Italy.

Being selected for this historic event is a special honor. Courtney is one of just over 200 to be selected as a delegate out of 300+ applications. Not only does this mean that Slow Food leaders admire the incredible work that Courtney is doing, it also means that we believe Courtney has exemplified the theme of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, “Loving the Earth,” through a demonstrated commitment to caring for the environment and its bounty.

The benefits of being a delegate include housing, and ground transportation during the event, as well as an opportunity to showcase their work at Slow Food USA’s booth. We ask that delegates assume the responsibility for their own flight tickets and other incidentals. Many delegates require financial support to attend.

We invite you to join us in supporting Courtney by contributing to their travel fund today.

Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto is a powerful and transformative experience. Delegates leave inspired to change the food system through a global consciousness and deeper respect for the diverse, international food movement. They also build an international professional network that lasts a lifetime.

Please support Courtney in representing their community at this unparalleled global gathering of food movement leaders: Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto 2016.

Thank you,

Megan Larmer
Director, Network Engagement
Slow Food USA

https://www.slowfoodusa.org/terra-madre-salone-del-gusto-2016