Hampshire County Food Policy Council exhibit.

Reception: June 6 at 5:30

Teach-In: "Storytelling for Social Change", June 26 at 5:30-7:30 pm

Stories have the unique ability to shift our perspectives, build empathy, and help us learn new things. But can stories ignite social change within our communities? The Hampshire County Food Policy Council (HCFPC) thinks so. 

The HCFPC’s new Community Story Archive launches with a special exhibition in the Forbes Library Reading Room throughout the month of June. Kicking off with an Opening Reception on Thursday, June 6th at 5:30pm, the exhibit will highlight a debut collection of stories told by local residents about their food-related experiences during the pandemic. The public is also invited to explore the stories through the online Story Archive, which houses audio recorded stories, artwork, and photos from local residents.

The HCFPC, a coalition supported by the Collaborative for Educational Services, conceptualized the Story Archive in response to community feedback that their experiences and ideas were being excluded from public conversations. In turn, the Community Story Archive aims to amplify stories of Hampshire County’s most marginalized community members, providing a platform for individuals to share their stories of resilience, struggle, and hope, particularly amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

This initial collection, comprising 25 diverse stories, shares the experiences of community members across Hampshire County, including public housing residents, low-income parents, people with disabilities, youth, immigrants, senior citizens, and more. Stories were collected by HCFPC members who share many of the same life experiences. 

“These stories are not just narratives of survival - they are powerful testimonials of the resourcefulness, determination, and solidarity that thrive within communities often overlooked and underestimated by society,” says Kia Aoki, one of the HCFPC members who worked on the project. “They remind us that the circumstances leading to food insecurity are not chosen - they result from systemic barriers that require urgent and empathetic action from our lawmakers.”

The HCFPC aims to not only elevate the lived experiences of Hampshire County residents through the Story Archive, but also to catalyze action and dialogue surrounding food justice issues in Massachusetts. The online Story Archive will serve as a resource for community organizations, educators, and legislators, deepening their understanding of the challenges faced by residents and amplifying potential solutions.

In addition to the Opening Reception on June 6th, the HCFPC will host a Teach-In event titled "Storytelling for Social Change" on June 26th at 5:30pm at the Forbes Library. Both events are free, open to the public, and offer opportunities for engagement, reflection, and dialogue.

This project is funded in part by Mass Humanities and the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. 

For more information about the Story Archive or the Hampshire County Food Policy Council, visit hcfpc.collaborative.org or contact Kristen Whitmore at (413) 247-4765 or kwhitmore@collaborative.org.