The COVID pandemic highlighted long-standing inequities across the country and our region, straining existing models of emergency assistance and response. We saw first-hand how vulnerable members of the community were to food insecurity, with a shocking 49% of families who utilized an emergency pantry in our region last year identifying as first-time users of the pantry system.

While the emergency food response over the past year has been both necessary and inspiring, we know that to create a truly just and equitable food system, and ultimately end poverty, we must first take a deeper look at our existing structures and identify opportunities to redesign long-term community-focused solutions.

United Way is proud to spark that exploration with a conversation facilitated by Tagan Engel, Host of the Table Underground Podcast and Food Systems & Equity Advisor, and with New Haven food activists:

• Susan Harris, Witnesses to Hunger 
• Latha Swamy, Director Food System Policy for the City of New Haven 
• James Cramer, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes
• Robyn Porter, State Representative
• Javier Villatoro, Semilla Collective 

Join us virtually on Wednesday, May 12 from 3:00 - 4:30pm to be part of the discussion.  SPANISH translation will be available.