Food Solutions New England is hosting the 6th in a series of Regional Food Summits in Bridgeport, CT on June 8–9, 2016.
This two-day event will feature more than 180 delegates from the six New England states working across the food system. Planners, farmers and farm workers, chefs, funders, government officials, and students will come together for discussions on topics including food recovery, policy, healthy, food chain workers, and more.
Food Solutions New England (FSNE) heard from Jordan Fowler, a delegate to the 2016 Summit.
FSNE: What inspired you to get involved in food? What’s one issue with the food system you’d like to see completely solved for the next generation?
Jordan Fowler (JF): I firmly believe in the mission and core convictions of Food Solutions New England and am thrilled to be able to participate in the Food Summit New England 2016! I would love to see our region working towards a diverse self-sustaining food system that fully supports our different communities—one that provides clean food options and both highlights and empowers our local food-related businesses.
FSNE: What’s the biggest problem with the food system our parents and grandparents didn’t have to deal with?
JF: One of the biggest problems in our food system today that our parents and grandparents didn’t have to deal with is the lack of clean food sources and the rising disparity in food justice.
FSNE: What’s one small change every person can make in their daily lives to help advance A New England Food Vision?
JF: The biggest change is the smallest change: the true food revolution starts from within, in our minds. Realize that our food system itself IS a major issue that needs to be addressed and make a conscious effort to live your life in a way that supports the reality of a more just, clean and healthy Food Vision.
FSNE: What drives you every day to fight for the bettering of our food system?
JF: Good, clean food is nourishment for the soul… and everyone deserves that kind of nourishment. We need to be constant advocates for change and push for active reform in fighting for equality in food system sustainability. I believe that every day, there is something to fight for, something that we can do and a difference that we can make today to secure a better food future for our region and our country. Our voices matter, our decisions matter and our actions will be catalyzing examples for repairing and strengthening the integrity of our food system.
Jordan Fowler is an Executive Assistant at 1696 Heritage Group, a historical consulting firm dedicated to helping persons and institutions of color to increase their knowledge and access to the light of truth of their unique American heritage.
To find out more about the New England Food Summit and view past Summit details, please click HERE.
Want to see photos from last year’s Food Summit? Please click HERE.
