SOFSA Blog
In the news: “CNY Regional Market seeks state funding to repair infrastructure”
At SOFSA's 2023 Annual Meeting, members began voting on the proposed 2023 Public Policy Platform. One priority on this platform is reinvesting in the CNY Regional Market infrastructure. Eaters and growers throughout Central New York frequent the Regional Market...
2023 Advisory Board Candidates
The time is here for the 2023 Advisory Board elections. We have three new candidates up for election, as well as one current Advisory Board member up for re-election. Elections are taking place at the SOFSA Open Meeting on Thursday, January 19th. See below for...
2022-2023 Policy Platform
Over the course of several months, SOFSA's Policy & Planning Committee, Policy Intern, and SOFSA's Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability Committee worked to co-create a Policy Platform that reflects the interests of SOFSA's diverse body of membership, while...
SOFSA Site Visit: Central New York Regional Market Authority
The Central New York Regional Market Authority (CNYRMA) is a diverse and unique local food system resource, and has long been a staple for residents of Onondaga County and beyond. The Market has been open since 1938 and consists of five “sheds” packed with over 300...
Meet Ellen Pitstick
We are happy to introduce Ellen Pitstick (they/them), our Program Evaluation & Public Policy Intern! Ellen is from the Chicago suburbs and attended Denison University for undergrad where they studied Anthropology/Sociology and Math. During this time they...
Joint ReZone Letter from FAHNN & SOFSA
As a follow up to its August 2022 ReZone Letter, SOFSA worked closely with Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now (FAHNN) to elevate specific concerns within the draft zoning ordinance that could potentially harm potential food retail locations including the parcel at Valley Plaza.
Meet Chloe Cabrera
Meet Chloe Cabrera (she/her), SOFSA’s new Outreach Coordinator for Double Up Food Bucks! Chloe started at the beginning of November and will be supporting SOFSA’s efforts to facilitate and expand the implementation of Double Up Food Bucks in Syracuse, as well as...
2022 Candidate Policy Positions
Policy-makers play a key role in uplifting our local food system so that it works for all people in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Onondaga Nation. Through a survey, SOFSA asked this year’s election candidates about how they support a healthy Central New York food...
SOFSA Letter Supporting Implementation of ReZone Syracuse
On August 2nd, 2022, SOFSA submitted the letter below to Syracuse city officials requesting their swift action to implement new zoning ordinances for the city. ReZone Syracuse has been a project of the city's Planning Division in collaboration with other city...
NY State Program Supports Restaurants & Families in Onondaga County
Like many places across the country, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were heavily felt throughout Central New York's food system. Particularly impacted were producers of dairy and vegetables who distributed to school systems and restaurants; as well as restaurants...