Food City STL

Recap: Food For All Media (FFAM) Design Challenge and Social Experiment On Wednesday, we hosted a transformative design challenge and social experiment as part of our new initiative, Food For All Media (#FFAM). The goal? To explore how artists and creatives can become powerful food advocates, using their talents to amplify critical stories about food systems and inspire policy change. The challenge began with an in-depth presentation of data and the pressing challenges in food systems across the St. Louis region. From food deserts to inequitable access, the information was heavy, layered, and often complex. But the heart of the experiment wasn’t just sharing this data—it was seeing how a diverse group of artists would respond to it through their work. We brought together creatives from all corners of the region: one from North City, another from a rural town in Jefferson County, one from Eureka, and an artist who recently moved to St. Louis from Venezuela. Their diverse backgrounds set the stage for rich conversations and unique perspectives. Over the course of the day, the artists engaged in deep discussions, unpacking the nuances of the data and brainstorming ways to translate those insights into impactful art. This was more than a creative exercise—it was a design challenge, testing how storytelling and art could bridge gaps in understanding and inspire change. The results were remarkable. By the end, each artist had created a piece that not only reflected their own interpretation of the data but also embodied a clear message of advocacy. Even more powerful, they all embraced a new identity: food advocates and “artivists.” These artists didn’t just create—they committed. Each one signed on to endorse messages of food access and equity, vowing to continue creating art for the cause. They are now equipped to share stories and data from the St. Louis region through their art, engaging their own communities in the fight for food justice. Their works will soon be featured in a variety of ways—our upcoming book, exhibits, and other exciting projects. We can’t wait for you to experience their contributions and see how art can truly drive advocacy. What’s next? This experiment has shown us that when creativity meets data and advocacy, incredible things happen. Stay tuned as we continue to grow this movement, leveraging the power of art to push for systemic change in food systems.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Orly Peters and hand her a $10,000 check from Food City STL by Serving our Communities Foundation in support of the incredible work she’s doing. Orly’s mission ensures that food entrepreneurs—especially immigrants—have access to culturally relevant ingredients, a platform to share their food, and a community to grow with. When Orly moved from Israel, she found herself in a tough transition during the pandemic. That experience sparked a vision to help others overcome the feeling of homesickness. That vision became Habuyta- A Bite of Home ??, a space where food connects people to their roots and builds bridges across cultures. Hearing Orly’s heart for St. Louis’ immigrant community was inspiring. She’s empowering entrepreneurs who are too often overlooked, giving them the resources, support, and recognition they deserve. One of my favorite stories is about Mary, an entrepreneur from Bethlehem, Palestine. Mary makes delicious grape-leaf-wrapped dishes but couldn’t find the right grape leaves in St. Louis. Instead of giving up, she grew her own. Her resilience, creativity, and connection to the land brought a taste of home to St. Louis. Orly didn’t just help Mary build a community—she gave her hope, a voice, and the choice to make this city her home. This is exactly how we attract and keep people in St. Louis. Orly and Mary’s stories represent the future. Orly, leveraging her skills, resources, and vision, is creating spaces where people feel safe, connected, and empowered—no matter where they come from or where they live. And Mary, using the accessibility of technology and innovation in St. Louis, found her community and then shared her skills and heritage to bring a taste of Bethlehem to this city. This is what home feels like: culture-affirming, food that’s rooted in the land, and flavors that bring back old memories while creating new ones.

Tonight we gather for an intimate information session to announce Grow Labs, our newest program aimed at transforming the way St. Louis grows, shares, and accesses food. We’ve dedicated ourselves to listening, learning, and responding to the needs of our community, investing over $1 million into this work over the last two years. Tonight, we are introducing a model, “Grow Labs”, we hop will help to bridge accessibility gaps our farmers and partners experience. Through support from the USDA, we are working to facilitate opportunities that help our local farmers gain access to the regional, state, and federal resources they need to cultivate and distribute food equitably across our neighborhoods. Yet, the urgency of this work cannot be overstated. In the greater St. Louis area, 1 in 6 children lives without reliable access to enough food. The food that many families can afford is stripped of the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and long-term well-being. As a result, diet-related illnesses devastate our communities, disproportionately impacting those already marginalized by systemic inequities. A “Food for All” St. Louis is not just a vision—it is a moral imperative. But to achieve this, we must invest deeply in our urban agriculture community, ensuring that local farmers are equipped to grow nutritious, affordable, and culturally affirming food that every family has a right to access. Our food system reflects our values. If we want a St. Louis that truly prioritizes its people, we must reimagine how food is grown, shared, and consumed. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in our city. Let’s get it right. Let’s get it done.

Our veterans deserve more than just words of appreciation. After serving our country, too many veterans return to face an unexpected battle—hunger. Nearly one in five military and veteran families are experiencing food insecurity, with veterans over 65 and young veterans adjusting to civilian life hit the hardest. This is a crisis, and it demands ALL of our action. St. Louis Area Foodbank is stepping up, providing immediate support to ensure no veteran goes hungry. This Veterans Day, we’re calling on our community to come together, spread the word, and stand with those who have served. Join us in making an impact that lasts. Here’s where our veterans and military families can receive support on Monday: ? Belleville: First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd., Belleville, IL ? 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ? St. Louis: Starr Parking Lot, 611 South 8th St., St. Louis, MO ? 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. With valid military or veteran ID, veterans and active military families can access nutritious meals and essential care items at these locations. This Veterans Day, let’s make a commitment to support our veterans beyond one day of recognition. Share these resources, raise awareness, and advocate for those who’ve given so much.

What if we engaged and supported our St. Louis farmers like we do our St. Louis founders? We're hosting an information session with USDA and Food City and teamed up with Startup Week to make sure that farmers are represented. This will be one of more sessions. We are keeping small so we can listen, learn, and respond with clarity. We're bringing together partners across ecosystems to help urban farmers start, sustain, and scale local food production. Thank you to Matt Menietti for adding Grow Labs by Food City STL x USDA on the calendar for Startup Week, and for including our community as part of the larger ecosystem narrative.

Food City, USDA and Grow with Google are coming together to host an informational session on November 15th, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at Neon Greens in The Grove. This event will introduce urban farmers to USDA funding options, technical support, and advocacy services. In 2025, Grow with Google will partner with Food City to bring digital tools and tech skills to local farmers. Our info session offers an intimate space for farmers (and inspiring farmers) to explore how they can start, sustain, and scale their urban farms and connect with other agricultural innovators. — Unfortunately, we announced earlier today on our Instagram and already sold out. However, if you are interested in joining our Grow Labs community sign up below! ?? https://lnkd.in/gHT4c7uG

You have THREE chances to connect with Food City this month! ?? Join us for some exciting community events over the next few days: - Coffee Talks at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis: On Wednesday, October 23, explore the theme “Is St. Louis a Food For All City?” https://lnkd.in/gDtSzYxg - The Slider Social: On Thursday, October 24, visit Marson Foods for an evening hosted by Keisha Mabry featuring sliders from Burger 809. https://lnkd.in/gb9DswZZ - Storytelling Night at 21c: On Wednesday, October 30, join us again at 21c for a night of storytelling. https://lnkd.in/gigk_t2G We’ll see you at one, or all three! #FoodCity #FoodForAll Keisha Mabry Haymore (heyFRIEND) 21c Museum Hotels 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Check out these clips from the Downtown St. Louis Restaurant Week kickoff event at the Greater St. Louis, Inc. offices, where we met some amazing local founders—don’t forget to check out the incredible restaurants downtown (especially our friends at Levels)! Downtown truly is the heart of St. Louis, and each restaurant does more than serve meals; they help preserve the culture and identity of our city. Beyond new developments and block transformations, it’s the meals and shared moments cemented into our downtown making it what is today, a Food City. Our local downtown restaurants is like an archive of our identity—supporting our local food founders isn’t just an investment for our city, but it is part of our cultural preservation. Downtown Restaurant Week is happening through October 20th, be sure to stop by one of the 30 participating restaurants and grab a bite! ???? #FoodCitySTL #FoodForAll

Food For All Podcast: Episode 4 with Rustic Roots Sanctuary?? Janett Lewis, founder of Rustic Roots Sanctuary, is transforming her community in Spanish Lake, Missouri, by reclaiming food sovereignty and addressing systemic barriers to healthy food access. From a small garden to a thriving 6.5-acre farm, Rustic Roots produces over 20,000 pounds of fresh food annually, distributing 90% back to the community through vital programs. The work at Rustic Roots highlights the broader need for structural change, advocating for food justice as an essential component of racial and economic equity in neglected communities. Tune in to the Food For All podcast and download the episode toolkit at FoodCitySTL.org #FoodForAll #FoodCitySTL Darren Jackson Sara Bannoura

Downtown St. Louis Restaurant Week is coming up from October 14-20! ???? From our initial launch party at Katie's Pizza, to events at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, and our offices at TechArtista on Pine Street, Food City is dedicated to Downtown! Join us in supporting an amazing lineup of local restaurants, including: 360 Rooftop Bar Aubergine Cafe Bellas Froyo Billys on Broadway Brew Tulum Bridge Tap House Burger 809 Buddy’s Wine Bar & Bistro Cardinals Nation 4 Five Aces Smokestaq ?Good Press Gourmet Soul Hot Pizza Cold Beer Idol Wolf?Java Plus Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Levels Nigerian Cuisine Lombardos Trattoria Pennywell?Rooster Rosalitas Cantina Salt and Smoke Simply Delicious Snarfs Sugarfire Over Under Schlafly Brewing Ukraft Union 30 For more details, head to dinedowntownstl.com ????? #FoodCitySTL #FoodForAll Greater St. Louis, Inc.