UMass-Dartmouth and the Southeastern MA Food Security Network are partnering with organizations from around the South Coast to further food security efforts in the region. The purpose of a kick-off meeting held on September 16, 2015 was to identify the challenges, successes and visions for food justice as we move toward creative collaboration among non-profits, food pantries, farms, and businesses. With the growing need for sustainability and ecological efforts oriented towards food security on a local and global scale, permaculture and its underlying principles provide a clear map for communities to develop new economic models that promote a healthier human and natural environment, foster equity and shared wealth, increase participation and civic engagement, and build our capacity to absorb shocks related to weather crises, water shortages, and other challenging predicaments associated with climate change. This project is very much aligned with these goals and is poised to provide south coast communities with a space to explore innovative practices, and reclaim local food production and distribution processes in a manner that recognizes the rich knowledge base of ethnic food cultures and agricultural traditions in this region. For more information, email Lydia@farmcoastpermaculture.com   (Photos courtesy of Julie Kelly)