In December, MEND was pleased to join their colleagues in anti-hunger work across the state at the NJ Food Democracy Collaborative State of the Food System Summit, co-hosted by Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health (REACH).

MEND joined farmers, food rescuers, and researchers to discuss how to build a stronger food system for families, farmers, growers and producers in urban and rural communities alike, as well as their collective effort to get quality, local produce to all New Jerseyans and increase the health of our communities.

MEND Executive Director Robin Peacock was part of the afternoon breakout session, “Innovations, Collaborations, and the Future of the “Emergency” Food Sector”. Facilitated by Jennifer Schrum, Office of the Food Security Advocate, the panel also included Karyn Moskowitz, NJ Community Food Connections; Corey Wu-Jung, Saint Joseph’s Social Service Center; Lisa Weber, Norwescap; Christine Parauda, LocalShare/Foodshed Alliance and Brian Kuser, Fernbrook Farms. A recording of the panel can be viewed here.