Dear Friends,

As we gather this week to share meals and stories with loved ones, let us take a moment to reflect not only on the food before us but also on the systems, labor, and land that make it possible. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, but it also invites us to consider the deep and complex history of the land we occupy and the people—past and present—who have stewarded it.

At Growing Hope, we see food as more than sustenance; it is a bridge to sovereignty, justice, and community resilience. The dishes we prepare and enjoy this week symbolize the labor of farmers, growers, and harvesters across the country. It is their work—and the rich cultural and agricultural traditions they uphold—that nourish not just our bodies but our communities.

This season, I am especially grateful for your partnership in our shared pursuit of food sovereignty. Together, we are building a future where farmland thrives, local producers are celebrated, and everyone has equitable access to fresh, culturally relevant food. This work challenges the systems that have historically excluded too many, especially Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, from having autonomy over their food and land.

As you prepare and share meals, may the food on your table remind you of our most deeply held values: nurturing family, building community, and standing in solidarity with those working to create a just and equitable food system.

From all of us at Growing Hope, I wish you a season of reflection, gratitude, and bountiful connection. Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Julius Buzzard
Executive Director
Growing Hope