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

• Rooted East’s mission to address food apartheid and empower residents in East Knoxville

• The history of land, housing, and community challenges in East Tennessee

• Why community sufficiency is central to food justice

• The importance of collaboration among diverse organizations

• How storytelling preserves agricultural history and uplifts community voices

• The role of long-term commitment in building truly sustainable systems

• A 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/rootedeastknox

• Follow Rooted East: @rootedeastknox

• Follow The Farmers Land Trust: ⁠@thefarmerslandtrust

Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @hannahkeitel