VSFA Black Lives Matter Statement
The Vermont Specialty Food Association has watched, along with the world, as the countless injustices of black, indigenous, and people of color have been illuminated. It is clear that these persecutions are not isolated to the past few months, but have occurred throughout our global history. BIPOC communities have been objectified and persecuted for far too long. We honor and remember those lives most recently taken including Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and too many more.
We acknowledge that racism and marginalization are human rights issues and we will no longer be silent or inactive. VSFA is united in its support of the Black Lives Matter movement, our resolve to call out inequities and make systemic changes within our organization, our communities, and the specialty food industry. These changes must be made with permanence and weight. The work will be hard, likely uncomfortable, but VSFA is committed to joining the many voices for change.
To start, VSFA will form a Racial Equity Committee to identify actions that will improve our association’s efforts of inclusivity, diversity, and education. We will make certain that furthering racial equity and inclusion are core values of our work. We will ensure support of BIPOC specialty food businesses by engaging, listening, and providing a space where BIPOC communities will feel included in our VSFA community.
We encourage our members and communities to join us in our efforts to honor diversity and racial equity in Vermont and within the specialty food industry. It is imperative that we begin sharing impactful resources with our communities, partners, and members to help educate and foster change. Our friends at Farm to Plate have compiled an extensive list of Racial Justice and Equity resources in Vermont, which you can find here. We encourage all to take action and stand up for equality.
Find more resources here, and information on the Governor’s Racial Equity Task Force here.
