When we met Rashida down in New Orleans this past summer, she spoke about the meaning of the West African word, Sankofa, and I jotted this down in my notebook: 'to look back at the past to build your future.' Is there any more relevant phrase for considering topics like food culture and sustainability? In her work as founder of Sankofa CDC, Rashida is using the stories and habits of her own past to influence the future of others.
When did you know that you wanted to work in food?
When I realized the impact of unhealthy food on children's lives in our community, and how the lack of access to fresh produce and healthy food was a part of a larger system that increased cardiovascular diseases and mortality rates.
How did you get your current good food job?
I founded Sankofa CDC in 2008. We included farmers in our monthly community marketplace and transitioned to a weekly farmers market (from a monthly cultural event), per the request of community members who wanted more fresh vegetables at the monthly 'marketplace'. We decided to expand to growing produce and working with farmers to help supply our market, which is now transitioning into a mobile farmers market.
How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?
My life experience with parents who are health care practitioners and growing up with family members (including my nuclear family) who grew their own food has been a primary experience. Also growing up in a home where healthy food was essential and significant to our diet has influenced me.
What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your Good Food Job dream?
It is challenging but liberating to do this work- and also humbling. The greatest obstacle are managing all of the parts of operating a business- including program and operations management - and working towards a growing vision - and to make a positive impact through my work.
What can you identify as the greatest opportunities in food right now?
The opportunity for young people to learn and connect with the primary sources of their foods, for jobs to grow from small businesses, and an increased awareness of healthy, sustainable growing practices.
If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
Seeing the positive impact of the work on community development and people's lives, more networking with other groups that work directly with people to advocate for equitable sources for everyone, and to see Sankofa continue as an institution, beyond my presence in this position.