Foods Resource Bank

Its mission statement is, "A Christian Response to World Hunger." Started nearly 10 years ago, FRB has rasied millions of dollars to supprt ag developement overseas.

Here in the US, communities are supporting these efforts by coming together around community growing projects. Farmers agree to donate profits from part of their land/livestock to FRB. Members of the community get involved in many ways as well. Suppliers donate fertilizer, ect. Land owners may take a percentage off the rent of the land. Other community members think of other ways to help out. The key here is COMMUNITY!!

Once a month, FRB goes to Capitol Hill to speak with state representatives on its stance of supporting ag developement. FRB usually takes farmers, who are involved in these growing projects, along.

Ron De Weerd, the Development Director for FRB, as well as a friend, invited me to go along and learn more about the relationships FRB is making in DC. I'll be following Rock Valley's Community Growing Project.

went with two couples from Edgerton, Minn. We met Ron and his wife in DC. Monday morning, we hit the ground running! Or, at least walking. We were slowed up a bit by the metro, a bit forgien to us mid-westerners. I've been on metros a handful of times in other cities, but I was completely lost until the last day or so!!

Our first destination was Capitol South, about three trains and 1/2 hr away from our hotel. As we 'emerged' from the metro, I was in awe - More black suits than I have ever seen at a funeral, and people on a mission. Our first meeting was in one of the office buildings of the state reprsentatives, the Longeworth Building. Through security we went, an on to meet the Minn. representaives. The Edgerton couples share their story.

The staffers we extremely hospitable. They listened to Ron & Thea, and Harvey & Judy (Edgerton) tell their story. The staffers repeatedly shared how refresing it was that we were there not to ask for money, but just to share our story. A story of food security that makes sense.

Waiting in the office

of one of the Minn. representaives,

waiting to share our story.

For my broth-in-law,

whose hero is Ronald Reagan.

And for my nephew

who is named after Reagan!!

More later...