<!-- Alternate content for non-supporting browsers --> <div id="pic-container" name="pic-container" style="float:right; width:310;height:225; text-align:right;background-color: white;"><img id="pic-rotate" name="pic-rotate" src="/news/newsletter/images/issue1/1-0.jpg" border="1" width="300" height="200" alt="Unity High students in one of our after-school programs" title="Unity High students in one of our after-school programs" /> <div id="pic-title" name="pic-title" style="float:right; margin: 0; padding: 0;"><font size="-2">Unity High students in one of our after-school programs </font></div></div><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">var pic_sel= new Array(); pic_sel[0] = new Image(); pic_sel[0].src='/news/newsletter/images/issue1/1-0.jpg'; pic_sel[0].alt='Unity High students in one of our after-school programs'; pic_sel[1] = new Image(); pic_sel[1].src='/news/newsletter/images/issue1/1-1.jpg'; pic_sel[1].alt='Youth learning how to prepare healthy food'; pic_sel[2] = new Image(); pic_sel[2].src='/news/newsletter/images/issue1/1-2.jpg'; pic_sel[2].alt='Guest chef Neelam Sharma shares her Bioneers experience at our most recent food party'; var picnumb= 3; </script><font face='verdana,helvetica'> <i><b>A City of Villages : A City of Villages</b> <br />Oakland Food Connection<b> <p>Youth, Food, Community and Culture</b></i> <p><b>2007 OFC Highlights</b> </p> <p> Thank you to all the wonderful people who supported Oakland Food Connection this year. You have just joined a growing movement of bringing healthy food and power back into our community. With hundreds of you contributing money, time, and energy to our fundraisers and food parties, we will continue to grow as an organization. For 2008, OFC looks forward to expanding our programs and visibility in the neighborhood. </p> <p> Over 400 people came out to support our four successful fundraisers (Feb., May, July, & Oct.) that raised $4,000. Thank you so much for coming out! Your contribution goes a long way in directly developing our programs. With your help, we will make Oakland a greener city. </p> <p> We would also like to extend our gratitude to over 200 food lovers who joined in the six food parties this year. It's always exciting to celebrate with folks who want to build community around healthy food culture. We always aspire to incorporate healthy food into social life, so that we can infiltrate your social awareness. This year's success has inspired us to throw even more of these events next year! </p> <p> During the summer of 2007, OFC hired 4 youth to build the brand-new rooftop gardens at E.C. Reems Elementary School. Our staff trained these young folks on how to do gardening, so that they in turn can build gardens that will teach even younger kids how to garden, too. And then these younger kids can show even younger ones, who will show even way younger ones. And it just keeps going and going and going.... </p> <p> OFC Director Jason Harvey is no longer working...by himself! Now, we have new part-time staff members who all work together as a team. For Chef's Special and Unity High Live, the new Program Assistants are Bethany Garland, Xan West, and Kevin Tillman. Archie "Arsenyo" Smith is also the new Food Program Coordinator. So, if you were wondering, Mr. Harvey has been getting more sleep than before (not a whole lot more, but relatively speaking, yeah). </p> <p> Now that we are equipped with more staff, more funds, and more supporters, OFC is confident that 2008 is going to be a year of more food, community and culture! We want more people to become aware of what's happening in the local food system. We also aspire to create more "green jobs" in Oakland. </p> <p> From Jan.- Dec. 2008, we will have an average of 2 food parties a month. These food parties will showcase various food-based themes and featured guest chefs. A portion of the food will also be prepared by youth trainees from our Purple Lawn Cafe program. In <b>our first food party on Sunday, Jan. 13th, 2008</b>, we will launch our food membership program. People who enroll in 6-month ($35) and 1-year ($75) memberships will get free access to special OFC events, free goodies, and discounts on items in our food bank. Yes! You will now be able to buy food from us, which in turn would directly benefit all of our programs. </p> <p> So, check out our new office and our new website. And, if you want to get involved as a volunteer at any of the food parties, please contact us. We love volunteers and we need you! We really (REALLY) need volunteers for various types of opportunities, so we are excited to hear from you. Sharing your time and self is one of the most valuable contributions that we can ever receive. Thanks in advance for continuing your support and involvement! </p> <p> Happy Holidays! Have a Prosperous New Year! </p> <p> Sincerely, <br /> OFC staff & volunteers <br /> <p> </p></font>
