‘Neighborhood News’ Archives
September Ventura Village
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A New Economy is Emerging in East Phillips
by DANIEL COLTEN SCHMIDT The East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) gives away locally-grown, organic vegetables and herbs to neighborhood residents for free. The Farm Team sets up a folding table in Cedar Field Park across from Little Earth and writes a list of produce on a whiteboard under the words, “Free Vegetables!” and “Vegetales Gratis!” The team lays colorful foods across the table and joyfully encourages passersbys to take home whatever they want in upcycled cloth bags. The last time I attended a food giveaway, our team discussed increasing the amount of food we give away and the number of people we engage. Someone suggested setting up a table at the farmer’s market, to which Kieran Morris, EPNI’s Farm Team Coordinator responded, “I’ve talked to them, and they don’t want us there. Our free vegetables will reduce the sales for the farmers.” EPNI’s Farm Team agreed that attending the farmer’s market wouldn’t be appropriate; we don’t want [...]
