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LEWISTON — Representatives of the Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn celebrated the second anniversary of the L-A Community Food Charter with a presention at the recent L-A Metro Marketplace.
GFCLA’s presentation followed the LA Metro Chamber’s press conference unveiling the new “Make It Here” regional image campaign. “Make It Here” is also what the GFCLA is about, organizers said. It promotes a sustainable local food system as well as the important links between a healthy workforce and youth aspirations.
The L-A Food Charter was launched by the GFCLA two years ago to highlight L-A’s community food values, build support for a more sustainable local food system, and to promote as part of that LA’s enormous potential to grow a thriving food and farm business sector for economic development.
The L-A Food Charter was the first of its kind in the state to be drafted. The cities of Lewiston and Auburn have signed the charter, as have ​more than 250 individuals, businesses, and organizations statewide. The document is on the GFCLA website where businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to complete a simple form to endorse the one-page charter and show their commitment to improving the local food system.
GFCLA member Mark Hews and GFCLA coordinator Julia Harper made presentations to five activities of L-A area groups that are examples of living the five major charter principles:
* Food Security — New Roots Cooperative Farm in Lewiston;
* Local and Sustainable Agriculture — Four Season Farm Market in New Auburn;
* Leadership — The Green Ladle culinary arts program at Lewiston Regional Technical Center;
* Good Food Policy — The city of Auburn for its ongoing work on the Agriculture and Resource Protection zone;
* Working Landscapes and Community Infrastructure — John F. Murphy Homes for supporting and expanding Whiting Farm in Auburn.
The five examples “are all groups ‘Making it here,’ in the Lewiston-Auburn region,” Hews said. “Supporting an important sector of our economy of farms and food businesses that are developing innovative ways to expand access to affordable and healthy food.” The
The LA Metro Chamber also announced Side By Each Brewing Co. as the first new business the chamber has assisted in finding financing since creating its economic development department.
Side By Each Brewing endorsed the LA Food Charter. “The Food Charter is important because we think every single person in the Auburn and Lewiston communities, and Maine as a whole, deserve a food secure future,” said brewer Matt Johannes. “At our brewery, we are going to be advocates for local and sustainable agriculture while constantly seeking ways to get better at making the the highest quality product we can.” Side By Each Brewing is slated to open on Minot Avenue in Auburn this winter.
For more information about the L-A Community Food Charter and the activities of this year’s honorees, visit goodfood4la.org.
PHOTO: The Good Food Council of Lewiston Auburn celebrated the second anniversary of the L-A Food Charter and recognized five L-A region entities for “living by example” each of the five food-charter principles. From left, Mark Hews, GFCLA member; Eric Cousins, city of Auburn deputy director of Economic and Community Development; Kim Finnerty, GFCLA member; Julia Harper, GFCLA coordinator; Peter Kowalski, executive director, John F. Murphy Homes; Jeremy Bloom, marketing coordinator, New Roots Cooperative Farm. (Submitted photo)
