World Food Day Photo Contest

Hope you all had a wonderful summer! As we gear up for the fall, we are excited to announce our first ever World Food Day photo contest. Every year, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to creating a world free from hunger and malnutrition on October 16th. World Food Day celebrates the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 16 October 1945 which was built upon "it's belief that the goal of freedom from want of food, suitable and adequate for the health and strength of all people can be achieved." 

Join us in our commemoration this year by submitting original photos depicting what global hunger and food security means to you. Please include a brief description of the photo submission including details of when and where it was taken. In addition to other festivities we are planning for October 16th (mark your calendars), we hope that this photo contest will bring to our attention the global struggle against hunger and malnutrition as well as highlight the achievements in food security and agricultural development. We also hope that this will ignite great discussions on how we can work together to create lasting solutions to these injustices.

RULES

1. Eligibility

The photo contest is open to anyone living in the Chicago area.

2. Number and Format of Submissions

If you meet the eligibility requirements you may submit up to three photographs. Each photo must be submitted in electronic format. Your photographs may be black-and-white or color. If you submit more than one photo, please make sure to number the photos accordingly.

3. Subject Matter

The only subject matter restriction is that your photo or photos capture an experience or record an observation depicting global hunger.

4. Application Process and Deadline

The photo submissions should be submitted online by Thursday October 11th 2014 to chicago.oxfamactioncorps@gmail.com. You can also submit your photos via Facebook or twitter by tagging us.

5. Prizes

3 top submissions will be chosen by a panel of judges after a round of online voting. Prizes will be announced very soon.

6. Important Advisory

All submissions may be used by the Chicago Oxfam Action Corps for display and circulation (with attribution to the photographer). If you submit a photograph it is understood that you have granted this right.

7. Further Information.

If you have any additional questions please contact us at chicago.oxfamactioncorps@gmail.com

Behind the Brands: Next Chapter

We won our first Behind the Brands Cycle for women cocoa farmers. Mars, Mondalez, and Nestle have all raised wages from $4 to $7. Chicago alone managed more than one third of the signature goal for General Mills campaign for transparency.

We are about to embark on the next chapter...

Which Is It, Transparency or Darkness?

Taken from First Person Oxfam America Blog

Right now the American Petroleum Institute is waging a legal battle in Washington to block key sections of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act– passed by Congress and signed by President Obama– that requires oil companies to divulge what they pay governments.

Some of the same companies supporting the suit, like Chevron, are also say they support the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, which is meeting in Sydney this week to promote more disclosure of oil, gas, and mineral resource revenues.

Chevron’s page on the EITI web site says “Chevron believes that the disclosure of revenues received by governments and payments made by extractive industries to governments could lead to improved governance in resource-rich countries. The transparent and accurate accounting of these funds contributes to stable, long-term investment climates, economic growth and the well-being of communities… Our commitment to promoting revenue transparency in (sic) reflected in our participation in the multistakeholder Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Chevron, which continues to support the efforts of the Oslo-based EITI Secretariat, was elected to serve as a full member of the EITI board in 2009.”

OK so we are asking: Does Chevron support resource revenue transparency or not, and if so why has the company not publicly disavowed its support of the API law suit?
Right now we are calling on Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, and Shell to drop their support of the API suit. You can help: Check out our new video, share it through your social networks, and take the action to call on Big Oil companies to be honest, support resource revenue transparency, and drop the law suit in Washington.

#BehindtheBrands

Today Chicago is holding a special election for the 2^nd Congressional District. This unique constituency stretches from southern Chicago to Kankakee. In a recent debate on February 12^th in Kankakee, seven candidates discussed how they would help improve the area. It was not surprising when they discussed agriculture and the need for continued support for farmers, especially in the areas of Kankakee. Government policy makers and Congressional representatives are crucial to the process of change. We understand that change requires a strategic bimodal approach via government and corporations. Oxfam has made continuous legislative efforts to support better agricultural practices both at home and abroad. After the constant disappointments with the Congress in years past, you are frustrated, and we’re frustrated. Because change is proving to be slow.

How can we get things changing? 1.4 billion people are overweight yet 900 million people are starving. About one third of our food is wasted, but mothers are forced to choose between medicines and food and education. Our crops have been reduced and our food sources changing because corporations are buying public property at an increasing rate. Is anyone noticing? What about the people with a lot of buying power and media power?

After 18 months of careful research and consideration in the approach to improve corporate practices, Oxfam is now introducing BEHIND THE BRANDS. As an extension of the GROW campaign, this initiative allows consumers to empower themselves with information on practices by companies who make their favorite treats. Oxfam uses 7 different scoring areas to rank the companies against themselves. These themes that encompass social, environmental and economic issues are:

1. Transparency
2. Women and gender equality policies
3. Ethical Treatment to supply chain workers
4. Small scale farmers growing commodities
5. Land
6. Water
7. Climate and gas emissions

Let’s start a race to the top. Let’s encourage large corporations that are stealing water, land and abusing corporate power by paying people unfairly sprint to be better companies! Corporations move fast in response to consumer power and education. When you say something, they listen. Seriously. Tweet about what you expect from the companies you buy from. Update your Facebook status to make people aware about the unfair practices of many companies. Sign the petition to make cocoa-farming practices better. NPR, BBC News, Huffington Post, Bloomberg TV, and more media sources have been covering Behind the Brands. The companies have been responding! Show them you are passionate about supporting farmers and they will listen.

Find your favorite brands on the website Behind the Brands. How does your company stack up on the Oxfam scorecard?

Megan Nakra

GROW Method: Reduce Waste

We throw away HALF of our food...you, me, your neighbor, that cute person at work, your go-to bartender, and even the guests sitting at the table next to you in your favorite restaurant. That's about 165 BILLION dollars a year.

As a young twenty-something who lives alone, one of my biggest challenges with the GROW method is reducing waste. Every week I always attempt to buy exact proportions of food to last me a week, maybe two. Despite spending an hour planning meals and maybe two hours at the store and farmer’s markets, I find myself still disposing of wilting or just plain moldy fruits and veggies. Sometimes I cannot help but to buy a meal when I forget to bring lunch to work, or maybe I am just tired of cooking alone. After all, living in the small cold town just makes cozying up with a bowl of boxed tomato bisque more enticing. I can only imagine how distracting it must be living in the city with endless options of new and fun restaurants to enjoy. Before I joined Oxfam and had even learned about the GROW method, I never thought much about the food I was capable of wasting. Now, it’s on my mind whenever I think about food. 

We all make our lists and go to the grocery store, maybe with coupon clippings and of course a few reusable bags in hand. Yet, whoever you are, the occasional spontaneous event or invitation forces you to leave acorn squash or berries in the fridge. But there is a solution! I basically overlooked this option until a warm night in Chicago at Karyn’s on Green on October 16th. A small group of fellow foodies and Oxfam veterans alike sat around a table for the World Food Dinner. We had discussed Farmer’s Markets and how climate change really affected corn crops in Illinois. We saw it. We saw how it devastated farmers from all over the Midwest. It particularly hurt those who see their farmers every weekend, growing relationships for several years. A representative from Sisters of Our Planet mentioned freezing strawberries that were grown from our local farmers so that she could enjoy a fresh strawberry juice in the middle of winter. FREEZING! The solution was freezing your fruits and veggies!

One weekend I spent the time to meet my producers at a bustling farmer’s market and learn new recipes. Alas, during the week we continued to receive food at work. I went home wrapped my zucchini and carton of raspberries in paper towels and bagged them in re-usable freezable zip-lock bags. A week later I grilled zucchini and added it to my pasta for dinner. And I had a pint of raspberries to snack on with my yogurt. I used the same technique for soups I didn’t get a chance to eat the week I made it. The simple concept of freezing foods helps me reduce waste!

Compelled by Oxfam philosophy of food justice, I wanted to find more ways to reduce waste and even extend the uses of foods. A simple fact about me…I love raspberries and strawberries. I came across the idea of canning produce. My first reaction was my dislike for cans. When perusing instructions of canning, it just looks intimidating. Boiling, peeling, jarring, what kind of jar, pressure or water boiling? And why do they call it canning when glass jars are used? Regardless, I felt it an important practice. The process of canning is to preserve freshness of prepared food by creating a vacuum in a glass jar using heat. In the Midwest, there are plenty of produce for canning. It is important to note that there are books, online guides and classes in Chicago (Canning Across America and The Glass Rooster) to learn about the art and science of canning. Some guides include how long different foods can last in the freezer.

 

I have a New Year’s Resolution. Reduce waste, sure. That is easy to say, but I have a plan. This year, I plan to incorporate The GROW Method by freezing food when necessary (like a cereal-for-every-meal sort of week) and start canning. I am thinking of a class...

Megan Nakra

Thanksgiving with the GROW Method

Looking for ways to Buy Local, Eat Less Meat and Dairy, Cook Smarter, Reduce Waste for Thanksgiving? And what better time than now, a weekend to celebrate family, friends and what we have over a delicious meal. Here are some simple recipes to start.

 Try this Salad to start your family meal.

• 4 fresh Butternut Squash or 2 bags of butternut squash
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar Splenda* or regular brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons of Agave or Honey
• 1-2 Tablespoons of EVOO
• Spinach or mixed greens - washed & dried
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds

Heat your oven to 400 F.
Chop squash into cubes
On a large baking sheet, toss your squash with  EVOO, brown sugar & honey.  Roast for 20 minutes.  Toss pecans, cranberries, salad together. Top with baked squash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds




 



 This is a great Panzanella to use farm fresh ingredients packed with antioxidants!

• 5 cups of hearty, peasant bread torn into chunks
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus some for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5 large, ripe tomatoes cut into large cubes or wedges
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons/shredded (chiffonade)
• 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf, Italian parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus some for seasoning the bread)
• freshly cracked black pepper

 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread chunks in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake 15 minutes until dry and barely toasted.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley and salt. Fold tomatoes into dressing.
Serve at room temperature.





Enjoy the season's best Midwestern Fall Harvest with this layered entree that offers a hearty vegetarian tian.

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium winter squash
• 1 medium potato
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 Cup Shredded cheese of choice (Fresh grated Italian cheeses are great!)
• S&P

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Saute both in a skillet with olive oil until softened (about five minutes).

While the onion and garlic are sauteing, thinly slice the rest of the vegetables.

Spray the inside of an 8x8 square or round baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the softened onion and garlic in the bottom of the dish. Place the thinly sliced vegetables in the baking dish vertically, in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.


There is so much to try with broccoli, brussel sprouts, root vegetables and more! Check out the newest recipes on the Oxfam GROW method Pinterest page.


-Compiled by Megan Nakra

World Food Day 2012...Time to Get HANGRY

“Millions of the world’s poorest people will face devastation from today’s rocketing food prices because the global food system is fatally flawed and policy-makers can’t find the courage to fix it. Policy-makers have taken cheap food for granted for nearly 30 years. Those days are gone.”
Oxfam Media Advisory, August 2012


The food system is broken with the amount of inequalities, effect of climate change, and number of land grabs. 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry. Where is all the food? Established agricultural and economic agencies all agree that the food shortages can be managed. An increasing population and climate changes places a constant crushing stress on natural resources. We cannot afford to waste our food! When we invest in agricultural cooperatives, we invest in smallholder farmers who can provide more food to struggling populations. When we make active decisions about what to buy and how to cook, we can produce healthy meals that support farmers and place less stress on the environment. We can manage these food injustices and insecurities. We can all live better together.

This is it. Are you HANGRY that millions of children are starving? That parents, especially women, fight tooth and nail to provide for their children? That people are forced to choose between an education and food? That governments have allowed people to suffer at the expense of political and capital gain?

On Tuesday, October 16th we will celebrate World Food Day. Nations around the world are participating in this international movement to bring attention to agricultural practices and cooperatives. Countries like Canada, Saudi Arabia and the UK host workshops, Hunger Runs and presentations among leaders and citizens alike. This is a time to reflect on how to end hunger, raise awareness on better food production, and strengthen our collective efforts to surmounting the issues seen every day in the food system.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, established in 1945, set the following goals:

• encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end;

• encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries;

• encourage the participation of rural people, particularly women and the least privileged categories, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions;

• heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world;

• promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world; and

• strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development.

In 2011, the FAO resolved that we should turn crisis into stability. 2012 proved difficult with the worst drought in 60 years to United States farmers. You can get involved. Host a World Food Day dinner in your home or at a restaurant. Talk to people about how much you love to eat fresh food from the Farmer’s Market. Discuss the possibility of investing in an agricultural cooperative. Start trying the GROW method at home. Call and email senators to create legislation that improves food aid for those who struggle with hunger. Urge the EPA to waive the ethanol mandate and keep corn for food and not gas!

Our Chicago Oxfam Action Corps team is hosting an exclusive World Food Day dinner at Simply It! Come join us on October 18th for a delicious meal influenced by the GROW method. Meet new people and join our discussion! Sign up at GRUBWITHUS.     


 MNakra

GROW Method: Buy Local

Buy Local

The GROW method, in five concepts, supports a better food system by empowering you the citizen to build a healthier food industry. One of the first facets is…Buy local. It’s easier than it may seem. Not everything is made or grown in China! Whether its cheese from the up north or corn from the farm stand down the road, Illinois hosts wide markets to support local families. If you are a suburbanite, city-dweller, or neighbor of farmers, you make an impact when you buy food. There are farmers markets everywhere in Illinois to buy local. In fact grocery stores like Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods label where their foods come from for shoppers o support local. We make a conscious decision to buy from Wisconsin or Argentina. In buying local, we support families who make a living off of supplying food to any size population. 

 Whole Foods Naperville Signs

The GROW method also employs efforts to address issues like climate change. When buying local, we reduce carbon foot print. In reducing the emissions that come from shipping food from cross country or across the world we can change the increasingly fragile atmosphere. When possible, buying directly from farmers benefits their family and at the same times protects the environment. The best part is, you can get to know who makes your food! Dinner tastes more delicious when you know who grows your food. 

What to look for on products from abroad

While we make our best efforts to buy local, we can always promote facets of good business. If there is a special treat that comes from China, Bolivia or anywhere else, check to see if it is a Fair Trade product. This ensures ethical business practices that support local farmers across the globe. We may never meet these farmers, we may not even know where their location is on a map, but we can support them by supporting good business practices.

When we buy local, we share our table with farmers. Together we reduce the overwhelming pressure that farmers face based on the nature of their business, influence of big government and shortages due to climate change.  

How simple is it to buy local?

• Check out this website for Illinois Farmers Markets
• Visit FamilyFarmed.org  to keep up on the latest local events that support farmers
• Try new local foods you have never tried before using some recipes on our Pinterest page!

If you have more ideas or want to tell us on how YOU are Buying Local, let us know chicago.oxfamactioncorps@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates @chioxfamaction. Remember, together, we can all make a difference.

-Megan Nakra

The GROW Method

Sunday night the world watched a team of engineers and scientists clamoring and communicating as the Curiosity headed to Mars. Upon touch down and sending its first images, the Curiosity had landed safely with functioning equipment, which established a momentous success for NASA. This special team burst into joy, grown adults in tears of happiness and laughter from relief. Enthusiasts alike across the globe watched in wonder of the possibilities, happy with the NASA team. And this happened in the midst of Olympic competitions on an international stage. As the whole world stays affixed, young teens vault into history, teams swim past old records, and runners collapse in exhaustion after making gold-worthy strides. We feel their emotion in victory and defeat. Whether for one country, one sport, or one athlete, we are all watching. As a result we are inspired in our daily lives. What keeps us all dedicated in our unity? This feeling that we are all part of something greater than us brings us closer. It keeps us fighting for the same goal, be it for scientific advancements or emotional unity as a people.

With such inspiration and unity, how easy is it for us to individually work towards a cause that can affect millions? Climate changes have increased the probability of drought. We know drought and famine occurs abroad. We make our donations and raise awareness about food policy. Our efforts through Oxfam have made a great difference. 2012 brought drought to U.S. farmers. Food prices are soaring and shortages of food sources caused Congress to force through some legislation to help farmers. But you, me, and everyone we know can do something to affect our areas. These same practices can help those abroad. The simple solution to food problems is the GROW method.

The GROW Method…what does that even mean? Aren’t we already growing or have already grown? What does this have to do with food? GROW is a new way of thinking to improve food policy, food practices and improve the overall food system on an international level. Climate change, land grabs, price of oil, discrepancies in the food trade system, inequality between men and women…all these issues lend to a broken food system. These problems seem overwhelming like the pressure at the Olympics. They also seem so far away like the Curiosity stationed on Mars. But there is a way! Oxfam developed a step by step plan for every individual to make a positive impact. With five simple concepts, anyone can help fix this broken system.

1.       Buy local

2.       Eat seasonal

3.       Save food

4.       Eat less dairy and meat

5.       Cook smart

We want to discuss the issues with you. We want you to be inspired by the power you have to change our world. Each step takes new habits to practice. In fact, you may be doing some of these already! In the upcoming weeks we will discuss each of these steps and a different issue. And we want to hear how YOU are doing as you practice the GROW method. Check out our GROW video and our Pinterest cookbook. Take on the GROW Challenge here. Share with us how you are doing. Email us at chicago.oxfamactioncorps@gmail.com.

We are excited to hear from you! We can’t wait to change our world. Here. Now.
-Megan Nakra