Susan MacDougall is the Interim Executive Director of The Food Project.

Dear Friend:

I’ve been thinking over the last few days how best to organize my thoughts to update our most cherished stakeholders; I came up with four letters: TION.

TransiTION: Pat Gray has graduated after 16 years and is sticking her toes into the waters of endless opportunities and I can only guess who will next be blessed with her vision, commitment and passion. We all miss her and I personally am grateful she has made herself available to share advice whenever asked. I was hired two years ago to support Pat as Managing Director. We worked closely together to develop a five-year plan in which we streamlined organizational structure. Months later when Pat tapped me to be Interim Executive Director, I was honored to serve. Together, with Pat’s senior team intact, we have made great strides riding the wave of eat local trends and strategically deciding among the myriad of opportunities.

Meanwhile, Gilbert Tweed Associates continues to assist our Search Committee to find a leader who can take the organization to its next level of excellence. I am happy to share with you my thoughts about this process at any time. Please call (781-259-8621 X34).

ReflecTION: As we grow, we’ve been learning. Over the last year, the senior team has reflected on the range of programs we offer and internal operations. In true Food Project fashion, the process has been transparent and participatory. Some changes included changing the fiscal year, reorganizing TFP into four major workgroups, involving program staff in fundraising activities, tightening relations with our North Shore replication site, committing to longitudinal research, rekindling our diversity and hiring policies and practices, building infrastructure for growth of core youth programs, and reevaluating our national work. Programs, operations and staff morale are better than ever.

SituaTION: A red apple with an ‘Eat Local’ label adorned the cover of the March 12, 2007 issue of TIME magazine. “Eat local” articles are popping up everywhere–even Reader’s Digest and United Airlines’ magazine. Mainstream media has finally caught on! For sixteen years The Food Project has been at the forefront of this movement – by employing youth to grow and distribute local produce and mentoring 150 national organizations and countless individuals to do the same. Childhood obesity, urban health issues, and concerns over rising youth violence in Boston have also put The Food Project’s work in the spotlight.

EvaluaTION: Since 2000, youth participants have completed short-term outcome evaluations. This year, we conducted our first long-term evaluation with the assistance of Shirley Brice Heath, at Brown University, and Brigham Nahas Research Associates. Our goal was to contact 812 alumni and to establish an extensive alumni network and program. Interviews with our alumni are revealing lasting program impacts which include:

1) life and employment skills
2) leadership and public speaking skills
3) increased sensitivity to, and ability to work with, diverse populations
4) improved eating habits

CommunicaTION: The Food Project has a compelling story to tell. Our vision is personal and social change through sustainable agriculture. But what does that really mean? Over the last year, Greenough Communications has helped us reshape our message for greater understanding and impact – critical components in achieving our ambitious five-year goals. We are implementing their recommendations that hopefully will make a noticeable difference.

ExpectaTION: To grow our youth programs we need land. We are working closely with the City of Boston to secure additional acreage in our Roxbury neighborhood with hopes of having land transferred to us this year and fifty additional youth employed on our land next year.

InvitaTION: I remain committed to doing whatever I can to ensure the program’s success. And nothing, other than my family, has mattered so much to me. The greatest thing you can do at this time is to continue to support The Food Project. And please stay in touch so we can keep you connected in a manner most meaningful to you and your family.

Very Best,

Susan MacDougall
Interim Executive Director