Friday, August 31, 2012

Update from the KC Oxfam Action Corps

This week, we had our second meeting and it was a great success! Not only did we have four wonderful and excited volunteers attend, but Oxfam America's Lead on Agricultural issues, Jim French, paid us a visit as well. Jim filled us all in on the GROW Method and how Oxfam America is planning to advocate it in conjunction with World Food Day (October 16th). We are planning some local events for this fall as well, which we'll post an update on in the near future. If you're not familiar with World Food Day, it is a day devoted to raising awareness about issues of hunger and food injustice across the globe. Check out World Food Day USA to learn more and see events going on all across the country.

While World Food Day will bring some exciting events in a couple months, we have an opportunity next weekend to get involved with the KC Action Corps now! On Saturday September 8th, we'll have a table set up at Green Fest at the Uptown Theater to raise awareness about Oxfam America and its current campaigns. Green Fest is an event that gives people inspiration and resources to begin living in a more environmentally friendly way, and introduces them to green products, businesses, and organizations. Activities include shopping, film screenings, speakers, and more! If you're interested in volunteering at this great event, send us an email at kansascity@oxfamactioncorps.org.



If you're not already on our mailing list, send us an email to get signed up, or check out our Facebook page for more information on meetings and upcoming events. We'd love to meet you!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Live the GROW Method Way



Live the GROW Method Way by Shayla Price

Hunger affects 1 in 7 people around the world. So, how can we work together to tackle global hunger? Oxfam International has created the GROW Method. Through every day simple tasks, we can fix the food system and create a better world for everyone.

Right now, our food system is broken. The way we produce food is hurting the environment. Agriculture accounts for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, climate change is influencing how small-scale farmers grow food. From farmers to grocers to consumers, we all play a role in mending the food system.

The GROW Method is part of the solution. Below are five easy ways you can get involved:

1. Save food
Create less waste by storing your food. Don’t throw away leftovers, instead be creative and try new recipes.

2. Buy seasonal
Energy is wasted when farmers grow out of season. Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season.

3. Consume less meat and dairy
The production of beef uses a lot of water—a 500g packet of beef contains 6,810 liters of water. Instead of eating more meat, try swapping a dish or two with veggie meals.

4. Support small-scale farmers
Protect the 1.5 billion people living on small farms. When you shop, look out for Fair Trade products and brands.

5. Cook Smart
Conserve the heat. Try eating cold meals, such as salads or no bake cakes, to save energy.

We can change the world by changing how we live. To learn more about the GROW Method, visit: http://www.oxfam.org/en/grow/method. Let’s do it together!