Dare to Grow
With conviction — and a bit begrudgingly — we can all say 2020 was a year of tremendous growth. Though propelled forward a bit hastily by these “unprecedented times”, there’s much to appreciate about this spurt of change and adaptation. It’s human nature to wallow in the welcomed comfort of what we know, we urge you to continue cultivating change and Dare to Grow with us for our 10th Annual Eat Local Week and beyond.
While we’ve all become familiar with the reality of change, what does it mean to embrace this evolution and dare to grow?
At Transition, growth looks like plunging forward with all our ambitious plans and programs, elevating our impact and efforts towards food justice, and making more connections within the community to grow as one. This year we received great capacity-building opportunities and are inspired to move forward like never before, and we’re hoping you’ll join us!
To engage in growth, one must overcome fear. Growth is daunting, intimidating, and downright terrifying. Yet with the mindset that growth is good, a growth mindset, growth can be controlled and celebrated. But what kind of growth are we talking about?
Growing food:
In a literal interpretation of the theme, daring to grow encapsulates the idea of growing your own food. By engaging in food production on any level, you’re reining back the reach of the agriculture industry and reinforcing the idea of eating local. Each growing season brings unknown challenges inspiring apprehension, but there’s reward in knowing you’re taking control of the food system and cultivating life. Starting small with a bed, or even a small herb garden, can have a great environmental, economic, and emotional impact.
Growing as individuals: Thrive. As an individual, grasp onto moments of learning and capitalize on the opportunities around. Take the plunge and make a lifestyle switch you’ve been wanting to for years. Remind yourself of the benefits of growth. Push yourself to connect with others, beginning to sew your offerings into community growth and benefitting from the bountiful harvest.
Growing as a community: By evaluating and embracing the synergies of our growth as a community, and coming together in celebration of community of local-food advocates we have the potential to rework our Sarasota/Manatee food system. Working as a community, we can provide one another with the resources — physical and emotional — to grow. And that’s a lot of the beauty of Eat Local Week. Year after year, Eat Local Week has provided this space for engagement and cross pollination among the leaders of our local food revolution. With a dynamic lineup of community advocates to inspire and a host of up and coming food leaders to discuss, unpack, and innovate, we can build a network of communal knowledge and support to thrive as one.
This year’s Eat Local Week Events include:
Keynote Kick-off: Innovative Ways to Grow Active in Your Food System
Virtual tours of Manatee Square Community Gardens and Mote Aquaculture Research Park
Discussions of What Goes into Fair Foods and Fresh, Frozen, or Canned?
Community bonding through Trivia and Movie Nights
Where to Dare to Grow:
This year’s Eat Local Week is completely virtual meaning you can join from anywhere — with the added comfort of being at home.
When to Dare to Grow:
Though we wish you growth well beyond the limits of our event, Eat Local Week will be held March 14-21. Check out more of the details for the day-to-day activities here.
Why Dare to Grow?
United by the security of solidarity and collaboration and emboldened by knowledge and resilient food systems, there’s no limit to the growth we can achieve. So why not join in?