Ohio

The InterReligious Task Force on Central America

Image courtesy of irtfcleveland.org

The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) was founded in Cleveland in the 1980s after four US women were killed in El Salvador. They gather across religious denominations and traditions to work for peace and justice in Central America. They expose the negative realities of globalization including the ecological destruction that has occurred in Central America. They advocate for human rights and in sponsoring fair trade they also support environmental stewardship.

In May 2019, they held two Food Action Forums, one on alternative food systems and another on alternative trade organizations.

 

To learn more about IRTF click here.

Ohio Fair Trade Network

Image courtesy of ohiofairtrade.com

The Ohio Fair Trade Network works to support fair trade products in Ohio retailers. They began working with the InterReligious Task Force on Central America to bring more fair trade resources to Ohio. They also partnered with Hiram College and John Carroll University to offer internships. They have continued to partner with faith groups as they work to establish a fair trade network in Ohio.

 

To learn more about Ohio Fair Trade click here. 

FaCT Ohio

Image courtesy of factohio.org

A group of anti-fracking activists were meeting in northeast Ohio. Faith leaders at that meeting thought it would be beneficial to approach the issue of fracking from the perspective of faith. They have grown to now include members from 45 faith communities primarily in Ohio but West Virginia is also represented. They welcome anyone to join their organization regardless of background or faith. They work to provide education and advocacy materials on energy conservation and renewable energy for faith communities in Ohio. They also hold regular statewide meetings. Their website includes a blog that is regularly updated.

 

To be connected with FaCT click here.

The University Garden Church

Image courtesy of tucgarden.org

Started in 2010, The University Church (TUC) garden fights food insecurity in Toledo, Ohio by donating produce to local pantries and families. They hold events to educate on gardening practices, and they partner with Reynold’s elementary school and hold events to teach students about gardening and healthy eating. They also sponsor a Community Supported Agriculture group that runs from June to September.

To learn more about TUC Garden click here.

Ohio Compassion Map

This group organizes Ohio’s compassionate efforts, including those organizations created by faith communities. You can search the interactive map by location or look for organizations under service sector, like environment or food and nutrition, to find groups to partner with or volunteer with.

To connect with the Ohio Compassion Map click here.

Image courtesy of ohiocompassionmap.org

Ohio Association of Food Banks

Image courtesy of Ohiofoodbanks.org

Many faith communities in Ohio partner and support local foodbanks. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks supports these foodbanks through the Ohio Food Program and the Ohio Agricultural Clearance Program, which helps to provide foodbanks with Ohio-grown produce and vegetables.

You can learn more about the Ohio Association of Foodbanks locations and volunteer opportunities here.

Cool Harvest: Faith Garden Stories

Image courtesy of cool harvest.org

When faith communities begin their own gardening journey, it is helpful to refer to stories from communities who have done it before. Cool Harvest, an interfaith food and climate organization created by Interfaith Power and Light, gathered the best entries from the Cool Congregations Challenge for “Sacred Grounds Steward” submissions.

To connect to these success stories click here.

Jeremiah’s Letter, Inc.

Image courtesy of jeremiahsletter.com

Since the 1970s, a group of churches in Dayton, Ohio have been inspired by the words of Jeremiah to 29:7, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” They established Jeremiah’s Letter to support their community. They fight the injustice of poverty and hunger in their community through sustainable practices, including an emergency Food Pantry.

To connect to their website click here. 

Goodness Grows

Image courtesy of goodnessgrows4all.org

Goodness Grows is an organization that provides opportunities for people of all abilities to connect through gardening. They are located in Common Ground Church Community  and they are a licensed provider of daily programing for adults with disabilities through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.  The produce that is grown is then used for a Community Supported Agriculture Program.

 

To learn more about Goodness Grows click here.

Ohio Farmer’s Markets

Image courtesy of ohioproud.org

For those looking to simplify their eating and support more local growers, Ohio Proud is an organization connects consumers to Ohio grown products. Their website offers a page where you can search for the closest market to you via company name, zip code, or county. To connect with Ohio Proud’s Find a Farmer’s Market page click here.