On Wednesday, August 16th, 2023, SOFSA hosted the first in-person gathering of New York State food policy councils and food systems organizations. This gathering of networks, collaborations, and coalitions working to improve our food system was sponsored by SOFSA, the Cornell FIG Lab, and Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Attendees joined from all over New York State for a day rich in thoughtful relationship building, discussions, solution-dreaming, and more.
The day started with a lovely keynote talk from Kathleen Finlay at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food & Farming. She set the stage by discussing how we could nurture the growth of our organizations by prioritizing diversity, ingenuity, and generosity. Topics for breakout sessions throughout the day ranged from the emergency food system, to technical assistance for food policy networks, engaging urban and rural growers, and community engagement and racial equity work.
Thanks to hard work from many partners, we left the day feeling empowered, inspired, and supported to continue our diverse work in the food system.
Want to learn more about this work? Are you a food systems organization wanting to connect with others throughout New York State? Check out our list of contacts and feel free to add your own information to the list.