To address that question and others, a full-day conference, sponsored by the Rhode Island Food Security Coalition, the University of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University, and Kids First, is planned for Friday, October 26 at the Johnson & Wales University.
The conference should be of interest to farmers, fishermen, grocers, food educators, food pantry workers, and anyone who deals with food in their professional or volunteer lives.
Just how do the pieces of the food picture fit together so that planning can begin for a food-secure future for Rhode Island?
“A good policy should address issues such as sustainable local farm, sea, and food resources, the wholesomeness of the local food supply, local food delivery and distribution systems, and equal access to food for all people,” said Donna LaVallee, a member of URI’s Food Science and Nutrition Department and Rhode Island’s Community Food Security Liaison as designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The day’s agenda includes a panel discussion, a harvest celebration luncheon, enlightening entertainment from a local youth performing group, a “town meeting” and a local wine tasting.
The keynote speaker is Stuart Nunnery, a well-known public health and food education advocate. Nunnery is the director of the Campaign for Food Literacy/FoodMatters in Philadelphia, Pa.
As a means to building a food-secure Rhode Island, Nunnery will help participants seek the answers to such questions as:
o Will farmers and fisherman be able to remain in business? For how long?
o Does the food distribution system work for all classes and cultures of people?
o Is the safety and quality of Rhode Island’s food supply the best it can be? If not, can we improve it? How?
o Can we end hunger in Rhode Island? Do current federal food programs and emergency food systems meet the needs of the people in the best way possible?
o Are the children in Rhode Island as well nourished as they should be? Why or why not?
o Are current local legislative decisions positively affecting the future food security for Rhode Island?
For more information, contact Donna LaVallee at 277-5270 or 783-3383 or donnalavallee@uri.edu or Jeff Wirtz at 598-1259 or jwirtz@jwu.edu.
For Information: Donna LaVallee, 277-5270, Jan Wenzel, 874-2116