Manna movement collaborative
about
Manna Movement Collaborative's goal is to alleviate hunger and poverty by creating the physical and relational infrastructure for communities to produce, process, and distribute food products directly from farm to table. Outcomes include a community-based sustainable food system with the capacity to promote economic vitality and social equity.
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Approximately 1 in 5 children experience some level of food insecurity in 2020. USDA-NIFA reports that LA County is one of the most food insecure regions in the country. Food equity is a pathway towards social justice. Manna offers the unique skill-set needed to fill gaps in community-based food systems, which are necessary to foster sustainability and economic growth within a community.
WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM LOOK LIKE?
Farm-to-Table-and-Beyond
A Food-based community transformation model
FOOD INNOVATION
FOOD INNOVATION
FOOD INNOVATION
PHase I
FOOD ACCESS
Collaborations are focused on production (community-based/urban gardens) and consumption initiatives and building relationships with key stakeholders in the community for expansion of production and consumption initiatives.
PHASE III
FOOD INNOVATION
Collaborations are focused on providing food-related small businesses and community members with the tools necessary to commercialize and market food products, allowing financial capital to circulate back into the community. We also partner with organizations developing sustainable agricultural practices and innovative approaches to reduce food waste. This phase also includes youth STEM and environmental education initiatives that connect young people to science, agriculture, food entrepreneurship, and climate stewardship through hands-on learning experiences such as the Ag Kids Rock program.
our founder
Dr. Jennifer Oliver, Ph.D., is a food scientist, humanitarian, and minister dedicated to food justice and food systems development. Raised in Birmingham, AL, she holds a BS in Chemistry, a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Food Science. Her research focuses on food security and safety, nutritional toxicology, and community health. Dr. Oliver combines her expertise in food science with her community organizing and humanitarian efforts to address hunger, poverty, and access to clean water.
