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About

The Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) is a network of changemakers dedicated to reshaping our region’s food system

Grounded in principles of transformative justice and reciprocity, we cultivate connection, collaboration, and coordination across sectors to mobilize our collective resources towards a more just and sustainable food future in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Onondaga Nation.

Grounding Philosophy:

Rooted in interdependence, responsible stewardship, and ancestral wisdom, SOFSA serves as a seed planted in the rich soil of our community, nourished by values that question authority, value community, and cherish our connection to the Earth and all living beings. Like each of the Three Sisters, we aim not only to grow and thrive ourselves but also to support the growth and wellbeing of all members of our community.

Action Orientation:

Through our network’s shared actions, SOFSA works to enact principles of transformative justice and collective impact through the following practices:

  • aligning resources and capacity
  • fostering relationships
  • promoting civic engagement and policy development
  • cultivating food system innovation

We strive to address the root causes of food injustice and recognize their interconnectedness with all kinds of systemic oppression. We are building a responsive movement to transform our food system.

This statement was collaboratively developed by SOFSA’s Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability Committee with input from the Advisory Board.

Learn more about SOFSA:

SOFSA Annual Reports

SOFSA Advisory Board

Maria Bianchetti

OCRRA

Leah DeRosa

Plum & Mule Community Market

Beth DuBois

United Church of Fayetteville

Amy Grover

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, Syracuse Grows

David Knapp

 Onondaga County Legislature,
Onondaga Agriculture Council

Adol Mayen

Syracuse Neighborhood & Business Development

Emilija Postolovska

CenterState CEO

Caitlin Toomey

Upstate University Hospital

Curtis Waterman

Onondaga Nation Farm

SOFSA Staff

Maura Ackerman

Tim Bryant

Community Liaison

Charles Carrier

Urban Agriculture Intern

Maya Castro

Food Policy & Civic Engagement Intern

Laura Jayne

Health Justice & Evaluation Intern

Micah Orieta

Food Systems & Network-Building Organizer

micah@syrfoodalliance.org

Elise Springuel

Onondaga Food Rescue Network Liaison

ofrn@syrfoodalliance.org

Brittany Taylor

Senior Community Liaison

Rhonda Vesey

Community Liaison

Jon Wilson

Mable Wilson

Community Liaison

Remembering Evan Weissman (1978–2020)

Advocate, Educator, Justice-Seeker

Evan Weissman was a driving force behind the formation of SOFSA and a tireless advocate for building a thriving food system in Onondaga County. Our partnership’s ongoing work to fulfill this vision is just one of the many pieces of the enduring legacy of the life Evan lived and the values he held so deeply. We will be forever grateful for his many contributions to the cause of food justice in Syracuse and well beyond its borders.
Make a gift to SOFSA in Evan’s memory:

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