As part of a year of programming under the theme Food &, Come to the Table hosted a pair of retreats for food and faith leaders to gather for two days of training, networking, and reflection. These groups of 30 – 40 participants engaged in a variety of learning opportunities, including small group conversations, individual reflection, and topical presentations.
Participants deepened their understanding of the ways in which food security, food access, and food justice are connected to narrative, root causes, charity, and relationships. Participants also received tools and resources to make concrete, sustainable change in their communities.
The retreats followed a four-part framework:
In Food & Narrative, we investigated a framework called “The Four Types of Story,” which details how stock, concealed, resistance, and emerging stories are formed and how they function. Participants also examined how stories – for better or worse – impact food assistance spaces.
In Food & Root Causes, participants examined trends between individual and systemic responses to hunger and received training and resources on three root causes: income inequality in the food system, the grocery gap, and poverty. We dug into the complexities of food security and access, challenging harmful and individualistic narratives of hunger.
“I feel more enlightened about some of the root causes of poverty,” one participant said. “This retreat made me more sensitive to the needs and barriers of [those experiencing food insecurity.]”
After watching the 2012 documentary A Place at the Table, Food & Charity probed the limitations of the charitable food system, offered a snapshot history of food assistance in the U.S., and examined the social construction that charity uplifts. We wondered together how faith communities can continue to do good work providing emergency food, but also step into new ways of being that move toward solidarity.
“This opened my eyes to subject matter I had never considered,” one participant shared.
And finally, Food & Relationships invited participants to consider the role of hospitality and dignity in food assistance spaces. Pantries are vulnerable spaces where people are often questioned, dehumanized, and stereotyped. How can we conceptually and practically transform our spaces as places of care, where dignity is paramount and stories and lived experiences are honored?
“The exchange of ideas and brainstorming of ways we can transform our community engagement while reducing hunger was incredible,” a participant said. “I am energized and hopeful.”
At Come to the Table, we echo Rebecca de Souza’s belief that “communities of faith remain among the last powerful shields against the relentless forces of capitalist devastation that can offer care and resistance in the face of systemic inequality.”
The Food & Retreat is just one way that Come to the Table engages folks to consider how to make a difference in their communities by challenging and shifting narratives, making change at a root cause level, and creating dignified, hospitable spaces.
“You lift my gaze, hold me accountable, and give me an opportunity for connections and creativity.”
If you are interested in Come to the Table hosting part, or all, of a Food & Retreat in your community or at your church, please reach out to David Allen at david@rafi.gameflow.design or 984.214.2816.