ASAN Food & Farm Forum: Kindling Gathering at The Local Farm Cooperative

300 1/2 Wheeler Ave.,Selma AL 36701

21 November, 2021

Description

Learn about Hoop Houses while lending a hand at The Local Farm Cooperative! Located in the center of a neighborhood, on the 300 block of Wheeler Avenue in the historic Queen City of the Black Belt Selma, Alabama, the Local Farm Cooperative was incorporated as a cooperative business in 2018. We are made up of a 5-person board who are all Worker-Owners or on the Worker-Owner track. The Local also offers Community-Owner opportunities at this point in our growth, with the possibility to add Producer-Owner options as we move forward. All Member-Owner types have the right to representation on our Board via annual elections. The cooperative is committed to combining a shared/democratic ownership and democratic control model with quality, local food. At the core mission of the Local is dedication to fighting the racial wealth gap, addressing access to healthy foods at an affordable cost, and providing quality economic opportunities. To these ends, we place a special emphasis on centering the work around those most directly affected by the inequity and oppression of anti-Black white supremacy. We believe in the need to have those that are directly affected at the decision-making table, but also to build a structure that ensures they have decision-making power at the table. The Local Farm Cooperative is equipped with the frame of a hoop house that was on the land when we first acquired it. Unfortunately, due to the impact of Hurricane Zeta in October of 2020, there was minor damage sustained to the frame and complete decimation of the plastic roof/covering. With cold temperatures on the way for Winter, and with the prospect of growing quality produce for the community through the holiday season, our team has prioritized the repair and installation of the hoop house roof. So, in the spirit of a communal barn-raising, we decided an event to “raise the roof” of the hoop house would be a great way to engage the community to bring together community members - to laugh and move, and to work together on a farm project while providing much needed human connection. Aspects of the project will include: *Cleaning and clearing in and around the hoop-house frame: removing vegetation, weeds, and farming equipment to inspect the frame and foundation. *Securing the hoop house frame and foundation: ensuring the foundation is secure and correcting any bent or broken metal, including using poured concrete in certain locations. *Installing the hoop house roof plastic: unrolling and attaching hoop house plastic across the entirety of the structure. *Installing the hoop house door, fan, and lighting: fabrication and installation. *Celebrating with a seed starter planting ceremony: taking time to each plant a seed that will grow over the winter in the hoop-house. Helpful Tools to bring: work gloves, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection to ensure their safety Helpful Skills to have: Familiarity with Hoop Houses is welcome! Can I bring my kids? Yes, kids are allowed, but no childcare will be provided. Children will be the responsibility of their parent or guardian. What COVID protocol measures will be taken? Masks will be required for all individuals, regardless of age. Does it cost anything to participate in the Kindling Gatherings? Kindling Gatherings are free to participate, but everyone must register to ensure an accurate count and sufficient supplies. ASAN is a non-profit network of farmers, consumers, and agriculture-related organizations, all committed to promoting sustainable agriculture in Alabama. ASAN's mission is to support conservation practices, families who grow and consume natural food and fiber, and the communities where they live.