In the news: “Bringing everyone to the table: How a Coalition is keeping culture at the forefront of local agriculture.”

Central New York Magazine’s annual food issue released this summer highlighted SOFSA and many of its partners and the work we are doing to build a better food system together. In addition to grounding SOFSA’s work and mission in the framework of food sovereignty, author Norah Machia shares stories from partners about their role in supporting coordination and collaboration across our region’s food system. The article beautifully profiles:

• The Food Bank of Central New York and its role in supporting over 400 emergency food programs
• The organizing work of Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now to re-establish Valley Plaza as a food access hub on the Southside of Syracuse
• Brady Farm‘s urban agriculture production and distribution of fresh food to the surrounding neighborhood
• Charles Madlock‘s advocacy work on behalf of Black farmers across New York state
• The work of Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) to ensure that their community has access to grow and enjoy culturally-relevant foods
• Ethan Tyo‘s AlterNative Project which strives to educate others about Indigenous agricultural and culinary practices
• Plum & Mule Community Market‘s role as a blossoming food distributor working with local farmers and purveyors to increase access to the bounty of food products made right here in Central New York

“We’re all trying to fight a system that doesn’t work. We want to make sure everyone has a voice at the table.”

– Maura Ackerman, SOFSA Director

View the full article below or click to view fullscreen version.