June Monthly Meeting Notes

We had a wonderful meeting on June 28th at Uncommon Ground. This restaurant hosts the first organic rooftop garden in the U.S. The menu boasts an amazing selection of flavorful dishes featuring ingredients from local farmers and producers. A wide array of local craft beers are listed by miles from the restaurant. Despite the rainy weather and flash flood warnings, our dedicated volunteers came out to enjoy great food and discussion.

Agenda and Minutes

II. Event Recap

• We recapped our time tabling at two concerts for Fitz and the Tantrums. Adjustments were made to adapt to the tabling set-up at the Metro; at least 30 signatures were collected
• Short recap of House of Representatives vote of Farm Bill. The Royce-Engel Amendment featuring food aid reform was highly debated. The amendment brought much attention, however it failed on the floor vote with 203-220. However, we are looking for the next move on food aid reform. We featured the following chart on the back of the agenda for attendees to look at how their House Representative voted. 

III.  New Business

• Follow-up and discussion regarding the next move for food aid reform. We encourage volunteers to Tweet, Call or Write to their representative about the vote on Royce-Engel Amendment
• In conjunction with ONE, we are planning a Hunger Film Festival to highlight Roger Thurow's new documentary based on his book "The Last Hunger Season." Scheduling is dependent on the release of his documentary. 
• Behind the Brands summit will be a formal introduction to Behind the Brands campaign, with fun in the process. We will need more help with planning this event. 

IV.   Upcoming Events

• June 29th- Oxfam Action Corps walked in its first Hunger Walk hosted by the Chicago Food Depository. 
• Upcoming concerts will be announced shortly
• Farmer's Markets
• July 28th- Glenwood Farmer's Market
• August 3rd- Elmhurst Green Fest
• September 29th- Logan Square Farmer's Market
• Please contact if you would like to volunteer at any of these events!
• Next meeting date and location to be determined

If you have any suggestions for more events and festivals, please email us at chicago@oxfamactioncorps.org. Please also contact us if you would like to help plan for any of the following: World Food Day Dinner, Behind the Brands Summit, Hunger Film Festival

We are excited to work with you!