This is our 3rd annual Kentucky Hunger Dialogue (KHD), which was hosted by Kentucky Campus Compact and Bellarmine University on November 10, 2018. This year’s theme, SteakHolders, invited attendees to analyze the intersecting forces and agencies that contribute to the systemic issue of food insecurity by considering the central, guiding question: who gets a seat at the table?
Participants investigated the ways various identities and socio-economic statuses faced food insecurity and why that is. Additionally, the event challenged attendees to examine who makes decisions at varying levels about food access within Kentucky. As the subject lent itself to additional analyses on the holistic impacts of food security, participants better understood the bigger picture of its effects. Participants also walked away with an adaptable arsenal of programs, methods, or practices for engaging in food security work at their own colleges and communities, along with a useful network of resources to do so effectively.
We heard from college students at two vastly different universities who operate the only Food Recovery Network chapters in the state of
Kentucky. University of Louisville’s chapter just started, so they shared tips on initiating a chapter. Bellarmine’s chapter has been around for a few years, so they shared how to maintain a strong, sustainable chapter that lasts.
VISTAs from around the state who work in food security shared about their experiences with the VISTA program, outlining their specific roles, the VISTA benefits (and challenges), and ways to maximize a year of service. These VISTAs make our Commonwealth a more food secure place.
Organizing for change can seem daunting, but Joe and Linh shared some practicals to take the first steps and build a plan to make your voice heard. They touched on some wisdoms of activism, from combatting paternalism to deciding between programming, protests, and demonstrations, particularly on a college campus.
UK’s Campus Kitchen has served students foe four years, which rose greater questions about food insecurity and basic needs among the student population. In response, student-led surveys were conducted, which yielded results—both in answering those questions and creating dynamic initiatives to meet students’ needs. Hear about the results of their research, and accompanying solutions, from the students who led the efforts.
Addressing food insecurity in the mountains can be extremely challenging. Limited resources, proximity to services, and availability of fresh nutritious foods compound the region’s problems. Jason taught about the community’s food insecurity issues and how they are counteracted through a host of programs that increase local food production, market availability, and education.
Why are grocery stores closing in our neighborhoods? What do redlining, income, mobility, and race have to do with food access? This session looked at how the city of Louisville is structured in a way that systematically denies certain communities of access to fresh, nutritious food.
Cassia Herron shared her experience moving policy as both a student activist and engaged citizen. This talk helped folks better understand the different ways to influence, pass, and institutionalize policy and systems change.
Policy-wise, “who is at the table?” is the most critical question for transforming the prevailing highly unjust, racially and socioeconomically skewed and unsustainable food system. SAL advocates for and engages in alliance and coalition building efforts, which aim to chip away at the monopoly powers of Big Ag: the highly industrialized corporate food system that is sickening and either fattening or starving us.
Ashley C. Smith is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. Her career has spanned 20 years in the nonprofit, hospitality, and event planning industries. In August of 2017, Smith along with Trevor Claiborn co-founded Black Soil: Our Better Nature to reconnect black Kentuckians to their legacy and heritage in agriculture. Since its inception, Black Soil: Our Better Nature has reached over 300 Kentuckians elevating principles of healthy lifestyle, cooperative economics, and greater market share for black farmers, growers, and producers. She and business partner, Trevor Claiborne, will answer questions after her presentation.