“Stories need to be told.”
Scribbled among a sea of sticky notes, this singular sentence summarizes a Saturday of storytelling in Sandston.
Focused on naming the stories we tell about hunger and those who experience it in our communities, RAFI’s Come to the Table (CTTT) program hosted local faith leaders for a conversation on uncovering hidden narratives about the root causes of hunger at Corinth UMC in Sandston, Virginia. Storytelling is very important; the stories we tell ourselves about who we are summarize a season of storytelling. CTTT facilitated its fourth session using scripture, personal narrative, and other sacred stories to create new narratives about food justice. Alongside clergy and faith leaders representing over 20 Richmond-area congregations, the group delved into the value of storytelling in addressing hunger.
For faith leaders engaging their communities in addressing issues that cause food insecurity, structural change work is essential. As partners in the community, clergy named food access as a challenge faced by many in the area. “Our city has a massive food desert,” one participant shared.
While many convenience stores sell food, available data suggests that there are relatively few grocery stores offering fruits, vegetables, and other essential fresh and healthy foods for Richmond residents.
The CTTT team helped congregational leaders increase their confidence in naming the dominant narratives about people who experience hunger, discover the hidden stories at the root of food insecurity, cultivate stories of resistance from their own communities, and develop counter-narratives that advocate for just and inclusive food systems policies. Participants left with resources and peer connections to “work smarter, not harder” when addressing food insecurity in their communities. One church offered produce delivery to another church from their church gardens. Other faith leaders discussed how they might counteract harmful narratives that are told in their communities about people who experience hunger.
As wages stagnate and employment is precarious, it is increasingly essential that food pantry volunteers, food ministry coordinators, and faith leaders involved in serving their communities care about how we talk to and about those experiencing food insecurity. If you or your community are interested in uncovering challenges within the food system and why faith communities, in particular, should be involved in addressing them, please let us know at cttt@rafi.gameflow.design.