1000 Trees for 1000 Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact person: Derek Steele, Civic Engagement Programs Director

Company Name: Social Justice Learning Institute

phone number: 323.952.3466

email:  dsteele@sjli-cp.org

“1000 FRUIT TREES FOR 1000 FAMILIES” - THE 2012 FRUIT TREE DISTRBUTION PROGRAM SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012 FROM 10AM-4PM AT MORNINGSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, INGLEWOOD, CA

The Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) in collaboration with TreePeople, Waste Management and the Social Justice Learning Institute present the 2012 Fruit Tree Distribution Program to the residents of Inglewood on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 10am-4:00pm at Morningside High School in Inglewood. This event is a part of the "100 Seeds of Change" food system initiative, an effort to create a local sustainable organic food system for Inglewood & South LA by building 100 school, community and home urban gardens. “100 Seeds Of Change” is intended to meet the nutritious food needs in our communities with local production by local empowered youth and residents that will in turn improve the health and well-being of local residents.

Inglewood, CA January 4, 2012 - The Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) has partnered with TreePeople, Waste Management and the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) to present the “2012 Fruit Tree Distribution Program” to the residents of Inglewood and South LA on Saturday, January 28, 2011 from 10am-4:00pm at Morningside High School in Inglewood, CA.  As a Part of SJLI’s “100 Seeds of Change” food system initiative, 1000 fruit trees will be distributed to 1000 pre-registered families.  The Fruit Tree Distribution Program, trees provided by TreePeople - a non-profit organization committed to increasing clean air, food access and canopy - is designed to empower community residents to take hold of their access to healthy, fresh locally grown fruit by growing their own fruit trees.  “TreePeople is proud to strengthen their partnership with SJLI and the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) through the Fruit Tree Distribution Program.” says Julie Prejean of TreePeople. The residents of Inglewood and South LA are invited to participate in this great program.

Starting at 10am, The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) will host a day filled with food, events, workshops and fun while providing the opportunity for residents to get their hands dirty in the organic Empowerment Community Garden located across the street from Morningside High School. “We are excited to partner again with TreePeople and Inglewood Unified School District and also this year’s addition of Waste Management to bring this program to Inglewood for a second year. With ‘100 Seeds Of Change’, we are here to help our community members achieve food justice, improve their health and clean our air.” says D’Artagnan Scorza, director of SJLI. Also throughout the day, TreePeople will be conducting Fruit Tree Planting & Care workshops and Waste Management will be providing composting training. Stephone Paige II, Public Sector Manager of Waste Management added in saying, “Waste Management is a committed community partner and thrilled to lend our expertise to these efforts!”

To reserve your tree or to contribute to this great program, please contact our Civic Engagement Programs Director, Derek Steele at dsteele@sjli-cp.org or 323.952.3466 or visit the website at www.sjli-cp.org.

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The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) is committed to improving the education, health and well-being of youth by empowering them to take hold of their educational future using research as a tool for school and community change, transforming their research into social justice solutions for the community. Our youth learn what it takes to achieve academically in order to go to college while becoming civically engaged, solution oriented and critical participants in their academic and subsequently their life experience.

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