Coalitions
We convene folks from across the food system in the Milwaukee area into the coalition(s) that most aligns with them, their work, their lives, and their passions. Coalitions meet monthly in-person (with virtual options), operate democratically, and are each facilitated by an elected Coalition Chairperson. Coalition Chairpersons are supported and trained by MFC staff in community organizing, non-oppressive meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and the MFC Organizing Framework (see below). To synthesize the work and build solidarity, all coalitions unite on a quarterly basis.
ORGANIZE
Continually organize and recruit members from across the food system to our member-led coalitions. Uplifting participants and developing leaders from ALL WALKS OF LIFE - no matter your race, class, faith, gender, political ideology, sexual orientation, or age. We are better together.
ASSESS
Assess overlapping and disparate problems and their root causes specific to each coalitions and across the entire food system. Identifying the issues we want to change.
PLAN
Identify and plan solutions - direct action, advocacy, campaigns, and the like - that most effectively and efficiently respond to the previous assessment. Construct plans that have clearly defined goals, actors, steps, and that are measurable in their successes and shortcomings.
IMPLEMENT
Utilizing clear communication and governance structures, coordinate, delegate, and set timelines for actions to actualize the plan.
REFLECT
Evaluate the accuracy of initial assessments and the efficacy of the subsequent plans and their implementation to inform the next assessment phase
REPEAT
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From hippy co-ops to corner stores to Walmart, this coalition aims to connect workers, owners, and consumer. Forging new alliances that set the stage for a much needed industry-wide and intersectional solidarity; coming together on equal ground to democratically advance new opportunities, and address the age old conflict of achieving affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate food while still upholding the labor and environmental practices and conditions that nourish the flourishing of all the people and places that make our food system possible.
Meeting place and time: TBD
Co-Chairs: Kevin and Moe
Core Partners: Sherman Park Grocery Store, Outpost (pending), MKE Labor Council, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Food Justice Collective (pending)
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From farmworkers to organic farm owners to everyone else who loves, needs, and wants to defend, heal and grow our farm industries; this coalition aims to tackle the hard and interconnected realities of what it means to grow food. We aim to connect migrant farmers to small-scale farm owners, to urban agriculturalists, farm enthusiasts and everyone in-between to foster a solidarity capable of rising to the combined challenges of climate change and environmental crisis, worker and immigrant rights, and the loss of small and local farmers and farmland.
Meeting place and time: TBD
Co-Chairs: Stephen Petro Stephen.petro@gmail.com, Ellen Colby marmfarmmke@gmail.com, and Martin Ventura
Partners: Fondy Food Center, Michael Fields Institute, MARM Farm, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Marbleseed, AgCon, UW-Extension MKE County
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Starbucks to Colectivo, McDonalds to Sanford. Let’s go. Together. Connected in service, this is where food hits the table or the more often paper bag. The only way to better the future for any, is to fight for all. No dishwasher, no fast food worker, no server, line cook, or high-end restaurant owner can afford a the future that’s waiting. We need each other and we need each other now.
Meeting place and time: TBD
Co-Chairs: Sophia Scaffidi
Partners: James Beard Foundation (pending), MASH (pending), Starbucks Workers United (pending), Colectivo Workers IBEW Local 494 (pending)
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From grade schools, colleges and universities to hospital cafeterias, lets change way we eat in these institutional food service setting. These are the places where to care and to nourish and to grow is the mission. Lets make sure the food we serve also fulfills that mission.
Meeting place and time: TBD
Co-Chairs: Kymm Mutch kmsmutch@gmail.com & Anita Garrett anitagarrett323382@gmail.com
Partners: Dept. of Public Instruction, Michael Fields Institute, FoodRight, Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, REAP Food Group, Farm to School
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Everything behind the scenes that we absolutely cannot live without. Processing, Packing, Warehousing, Delivery, Food Recovery and Waste Management. This coalition is a home for these worker, experts, owners, and aficionados.
Co-chairs: Kymm Mutch
Core Partners: Wisconsin Harvest Network (Pending), Milwaukee County Waste Management (pending)
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Meeting place and time: TBD
Co-Chairs: TBD
Partners: TBD
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