MONROE — Food, Faith and Farming Network will host a virtual gathering, “Seeds of Hope Celebration” Dec. 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. to highlight work supported by the network’s Seed Money initiative. 

Started in 2018, the initiative recognizes a range of projects that work to build healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities by linking people and the land, producers, and both urban and rural consumers. 

The Seed Money initiative was established in response to needs expressed in a series of community listening sessions conducted by FFFN in Southwestern Wisconsin in 2018. This year’s nine recipients include a rural cultural tour, a conservation stewardship project, an educational event on soil health, two rural community farmers markets, a food artisan kitchen garden and others. Representatives from the projects will share the results of their efforts on the Zoom meeting platform in a discussion moderated by Roger Williams, UW-Extension Prof Emeritus and Network Board Treasurer. 

Several Seed Money recipients have recorded short videos and others will share their project goals live during the virtual gathering. Each project leader will use the opportunity to share words and images to describe the impact of their work. 

Those receiving support in 2020 were deeply impacted by the pandemic and the subsequent massive disruptions. Learning from their work and the adaptations they have made may become even more critical in moving forward rebuilding local communities. FFFN expects a lively and optimistic discussion that will help determine future planning. 

The gathering was originally conceived as a convivial, in-person shared meal and discussion. Given the current circumstances, FFFN is offering this opportunity through virtual means. To learn more about the funded projects and to register for this free event, go to the FFFN website, foodfaithandfarmingnetwork.org. Registration is open from Nov. 20 to midnight on Dec. 3. 

FFFN has over 30-years of history of giving voice to the sacred connections between land and people, fostering rural and urban relationships and promoting earth stewardship, community, spirituality and economic justice through healthy food and sustainable farming practices. 

The Seed Money initiative is made possible by the support of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Alliant Energy, and our individual contributors.