FFAC stands in solidarity with Black communities over the deaths of George Floyd and so many others. We are deeply disturbed by systemic oppression and are committed to raising awareness of racial injustice.
When we raise awareness of factory farming, we always do so with the understanding that issues of social justice, public health, and the environment are interrelated.
FFAC stands in solidarity with Black communities over the deaths of George Floyd and so many others. We are deeply disturbed by systemic oppression and are committed to raising awareness of racial injustice.
Three of FFAC’s core values—inclusivity, compassion, and collaboration—are guiding us in this moment. We have never been a single-issue organization. When we raise awareness of factory farming, we always do so with the understanding that issues of social justice, public health, and the environment are interrelated.
In light of everything that has transpired this past week, we have made the decision to postpone our Virtual VegFest to July 23rd at 5 pm PT and put our mid-year fundraising campaign on hold. During this time, it is vital that we uplift Black students, communities, and businesses. The rescheduled VegFest will have this focus and continue the conversation from last year’s Food Justice in the Oakland flats panel.
We are highlighting Black businesses on our platforms and are grateful for our longstanding partnerships with businesses such as Mandela Grocery Co-op in West Oakland.
In the long-term, we are thoughtful about how our outreach and internship programs can support this national conversation on racial justice. This means customizing presentations, increasing our reach, being strategic in our intern recruitment process, and ensuring that we highlight leaders of the global majority—because representation matters.
Moving beyond raising awareness, we know that meaningful support of the Black community also means supporting Black businesses financially. We are highlighting Black businesses on our platforms and are grateful for our longstanding partnerships with businesses such as Mandela Grocery Co-op in West Oakland. Throughout the growth of the Bay Area intern program, Mandela has nourished our students. We can make great change through our individual food choices—not just because of what we eat but also where it comes from.
To our students and interns reading this post, we want you to know that everyone has a place in fighting oppression. There is a place for everyone whether you are on the streets, educating, making food, organizing with friends, or leading discussion groups. All of this goes together to impact change.
Monica Chen is the Executive Director for the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition
