The FnC program, created in 2023 by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County (CCE) and LifeSource Systems Inc. (LSS), is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of food on local communities. Through their partnership, CCE and LSS have set out to host the Food in Community (FnC) event, a platform designed to celebrate and explore the intricate and multifaceted relationship between food and community. This program seeks to engage individuals and organizations in meaningful conversations about sustainable food systems, nutrition, and the social aspects of food, with the ultimate goal of promoting a healthier and more connected community.

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LSS Directors play a crucial role in their partnership with Re-Tree WNY. They actively contribute to tree planting in low-income BIPOC neighborhoods, advocate for climate change awareness, educate the community on sustainable practices, and advocate for policy development. The team is dedicated to addressing environmental concerns along with issues of poverty, housing discrimination, and social determinants of health in Black communities. The LSS staff’s commitment is exemplified by their certification as tree and climate stewards, enabling them to drive meaningful change. Their involvement in national events, such as James, co-founder, participating in the Rally for Resilience in Washington, DC, demonstrates their dedication to advocating for critical legislative changes, such as the passage of the farm bill.

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LSS, which stands for Life Source Systems, is a significant member of BFU-NYS, an organization dedicated to advocating for Black farmers. The founder, Pamela James, is a well-respected figure who regularly speaks at both state and national conferences, passionately promoting the nine solutions outlined by the organization. These solutions, including creating ownership opportunities, funding Black farm and food startups, supplying affordable land, supporting urban farms, committing to inclusion, awarding scholarships, capturing meaningful data, and further developing a robust plan of action, are all geared towards empowering Black farmers and ensuring their success in the agricultural industry. Pamela James’ dedication and leadership in this cause have made a profound impact, inspiring and empowering others to join the mission of uplifting Black farmers across the country.

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Farm to Table

LSS partnered with Food for the Spirit and the Buffalo Public Schools to run farm to table programs at East High School in Buffalo, New York. The collaboration aimed to not only provide fresh, locally sourced food to the school cafeteria but also to educate students about sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and the importance of supporting local farmers. Through this program, students had the opportunity to learn about the journey of food from the farm to their plate, fostering a deeper understanding of the food system and its impact on their daily lives. This initiative not only promoted healthy eating habits but also empowered the students to make informed choices about the food they consume, while also supporting the local community and economy.

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