This year we had, not one but two, keynote speakers! The eye-opening keynote from Ricardo Salvador, Union of Concerned Scientists, inspired us with a call to action to work together to change our broken food system. Salvador said, "six of ten leading causes of premature death relate to diet and food." He gave examples how our tax dollars support unhealthy foods, then, gave examples of how it's possible for tax dollars to support healthy food. One model he highlighted was with the city of Los Angeles changing the food that they purchase for schools to reduce childhood obesity--and making a difference in two years! We can do better and the farmers growing good food for their local communities are helping!

Our closing keynote was given by K. Rashid Nuri, who is growing food, people and communities in underserved communities in downtown Atlanta. He didn't mince words. He said, "Whoever controls your food controls you!" He gave us a quick lesson on the importance of "justice" as compared to "equality" or "equity" that we'll not soon forget. (See photo below.) There are a lot of good farmers in the good food community. Let's keep fighting for justice. And as Rashid Nuri says, "Peace be unto y'all."