Transforming Food Systems: From Pilots to Policy

On December 5, 2023, NYHealth hosted more than 125 people in New York City for a conference on Transforming Food Systems: From Pilots to Policy. The conference featured a keynote address from the President of the Food Research & Action Center, Luis Guardia, and insights from advocates working at the local and State levels to transform the way we design, coordinate, and implement food plans so New Yorkers have the food they need to thrive.

Watch the event recording.

Opening Remarks
– David Sandman, President and CEO, NYHealth

Keynote Address
– Luis Guardia, President, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
– Moderator: Avital Havusha, Vice President of Programs, NYHealth

Improving the Cultural Responsiveness of Nutrition Programs
– Nashla Rivas Salas, Senior Director, Correctional Association of New York
– Nnenna Ferguson, Buffalo Food Equity Network Director, Food for the Spirit
– Dickran Jebejian, Food Policy Manager, Met Council
– Moderator: Julia McCarthy, Senior Program Officer, NYHealth

Strengthening Local Food Systems
– Iyeshima Harris-Ouedraogo, Policy Manager, Equity Advocates
– Mike Bulger, Healthy Communities Project Coordinator, Common Ground Health
– Theresa Krause, Food Council Coordinator, Food Bank of the Southern Tier
– Moderator: Anne Palmer, Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University

Closing Remarks
– Mary Ford, Director of Policy and Research, NYHealth