We’ve promised to share periodically with the GRuB family about our equity journey.  Here’s a window into some of what is emerging in 2021.   

• A top priority in the past few years has been training, support and community reflection and learning among our staff and board teams.  Just this spring, new team members completed the Intercultural Development Inventory with the Olympia YWCA, and we reengaged with VISIONS, Inc to provide a half day staff training.    

• We’re incorporating an equity lens into our evaluation framework, starting with a focus on race, gender, and sexuality.   

• A graduate student intern from Seattle University helped us develop best practices around hiring. We reviewed our job posting process and refined our interviewing process accordingly.     

• This spring, we held a series of conversations to gather input from the Black community on how GRuB can evolve our programs and culture to increase Black student participation and access.  Later this year, we plan to share what we learned and how we intend to follow up.  

• In a similar vein, we started BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Advisory Groups for our garden project, and are seeking to learn how to increase the relevance and accessibility of the GRuB Garden Project.   

• In our Wild Foods & Medicines programs, we prioritize the requests of, and collaboration with, regional tribes.  We continue to engage tribal educators to offer workshops and are collaborating with Native specialists on curriculum development.

• We’re thrilled to have a new partnership with the Haki Farmers Collective at the Lacey Victory Farm.  Together, we seek to nurture a beautiful, functional urban agriculture demonstration and growing site that provides healthy, culturally appropriate food, and a place for learning, leadership, and community building, with a special emphasis on veterans, BIPOC communities, neighbors, and Food Bank customers.  

For the past several years, we’ve had a temporary group advising on our equity next steps. We’re re-launching the group this fall with fresh opportunities for community volunteers and program alumni to join us on this journey! If you are interested, please contact Wade Uyeda, wade@goodgrub.org or look for more information soon.