Summer 2024 Newsletter We loved seeing you at our annual fundraiser, “From Field to Fork.” This year’s event showcased our 20th anniversary and started with a compelling speech by one of our longtime board members, John Krist. John introduced the origin of HFW! and reviewed our advocacy and accomplishments over the years. In case you missed it, here is a quote from that speech: “In 2000, the group — known as the Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance — adopted a constitution to guide its work and the conduct of its members, who despite their varied perspectives shared a vision of a future in which Ventura County agriculture remained economically vibrant, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. AFA established subcommittees to explore specific issues affecting local agriculture’s long-term viability. One of these, the Farm Worker Housing Committee, focused on the issue of workforce housing affordability, and issued a white paper in 2002 titled “Farm Worker Housing: A Crisis Calling for Community Action.” That year, the County of Ventura also released a report on results of its farm worker housing study, which found poor living conditions to be widespread and recommended changes to the county zoning ordinance to accommodate more new farm worker housing. In 2003, following a recommendation in the AFA white paper, the AFA Farm Worker Housing Committee collaborated with other organizations to plan a public summit addressing the issue, which was held in January 2004. More than 300 people attended the summit, including four of the five members of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, and scores volunteered to participate in future housing advocacy. AFA responded by establishing a Ventura County Farm Worker Housing Task Force, which was subsequently renamed House Farm Workers!” The menu was delicious as always, with dishes provided by Chefs: Anastashia Chavez, private chef; Maya Christensen; M on High Street; Tim Kilcoyne, private chef; Jason Ruffinelli, Ruffhouse BBQ, and Neidy Venegas, Poems N Pastry. Our Chefs used fresh ingredients donated by Mike Roberts, Farmivore, Chris Sayer, Petty Ranch, Jason Tamai, Tamai Family Farms, Craig Underwood, Underwood Family Farms, Tehachapi Grain Project, and Two Peas. Each course was paired with a matching magical beverage generously provided by A Tribute To Grace Wine Co., ato̅st, Beacon Coffee, Boscoe Wine Co., and Enegren Brewing Co. A special thanks to the amazing Chef Coordinators, Anastashia Chavez, Tim Kilcoyne, and our visionary sponsors: