GAINING GROUND is a new documentary in the works by Portland filmmakers Elaine Velazquez and Barbara Bernstein.

From the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, to increasing outbreaks of food-borne pathogens and rising epidemics of obesity and diabetes, we can see the consequences of the industrial food complex. The Media Project is producing a feature-length documentary about the need to create a food system that’s local, sustainable and accessible to people of all income levels.

GAINING GROUND explores the multiple paths people discover, as they create local, sustainable and just food systems. Intercutting personal stories of farmers and food advocates, it probes the challenges that must be met in order to create local food networks that can feed us all. It follows two grassroots programs working with low income-communities: Urban Tilth in the Iron Triangle in Richmond, California, and Janus Youth Program’s Village Gardens, serving public housing residents in North Portland. Rooted in the neighborhoods they serve, both programs focus on teaching local youth and adults the skills necessary to grow their own food organically, as part of a wider vision to build healthy empowered communities.

The film explores connections between this urban agriculture movement and the rising number of idealistic young people who are becoming rural farmers, committed to rebuilding local food systems that can provide fresh, organic food for everyone. It depicts farmers and community activists connected by their passion to feed their communities local, sustainable, healthful food. In the process they also rekindle the innate knowledge and self-worth that is resident in their rural and urban communities.

Gaining Ground motivates people to re-examine their relationship to food and understand the impact and power they have every time they choose what to eat. The video shows people actualizing their vision of creating a food system that provides fresh, organic food for everyone.