48. Solidarity and Community Sufficiency: Land Justice, Food Justice and True Community Empowerment with Kristina Villa, Femeika Elliott & Laila Malik

In this episode of the show, we're joined by three incredible leaders working at the intersection of food justice, land access, and community empowerment: Kristina Villa of the Farmers Land Trust, and Femeika Elliott and Laila Malik of the Rooted East Knoxville Collective.Throughout this conversation, we explore the Farmland Commons model and Rooted East’s grassroots work to restore power to East Knoxville residents through food, land, and housing justice. The conversation dives into the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face in accessing farmland and nourishing food, while also highlighting the innovative solutions that are already being implemented on the ground.From food apartheid and land stewardship to storytelling, collaboration, and long-term commitment, this discussion underscores the importance of community sufficiency and the ways we can collectively create just and regenerative food systems.Tune in to learn more about:The Farmers Land Trust and how the Farmland Commons model supports equitable land accessRooted East’s mission to address food apartheid and empower residents in East KnoxvilleThe history of land, housing, and community challenges in East TennesseeWhy community sufficiency is central to food justiceThe importance of collaboration among diverse organizationsHow storytelling preserves agricultural history and uplifts community voicesThe role of long-term commitment in building truly sustainable systemsA vision for food, land, and housing justice rooted in solidarity… And so much more!Guest Resources & Links:Learn more about Rooted East Knoxville: linktr.ee/rootedeastknoxFollow Rooted East: @rootedeastknoxFollow The Farmers Land Trust: ⁠@thefarmerslandtrustConnect with Hannah:Instagram: @hannahkeitel