GREEN BUILDING FEATURE
Faith Communities Support
Local Food Sources
One of the ways that congregations can support the green
movement – and their local economy – is by using their
buildings and open spaces to make a connection between
themselves and the food they eat. Congregations regularly
gather for communal meals, and members give thanks each
week for the food that is shared. Food – what we eat, how
it is grown and prepared – is integrated within many faith
practices. For that reason, more and more faith communities
are taking charge of their religious responsibility to better
understand where our food comes from.
food that goes directly to local food pantries. Many churches
see this as truly meaningful neighborhood outreach, and it
provides an opportunity for intergenerational relationships
by getting youth involved with gardening.
At a recent New Dollars/ New Partners training conducted by
Partners with the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, all of the
food served was from CSAs. Attendees were even encouraged
to bring their own mug for coffee! Through these efforts,
participants lessened their carbon footprint by decreasing
the distance traveled by the food served for [