Registration for our 2024 Anti-Hunger Conference now open
Key Details:
Date: April 24th, 2024
Location: St. Patrick’s Catholic Community, 10815 N. 84th Street, Phoenix AZ 85260
Who should register? Food pantries, food agencies, anti-hunger advocates and those working towards a hunger-free Arizona
Catherine Alonzo
Driving Change at the Local Level: The 4 Things You Must Know First
There are so many obstacles to making a difference in the world around you. These include personal obstacles like imposter syndrome and burnout, organizational barriers like fundraising and communications challenges, and systemic blocks like laws and policies. In the face of all of these barriers, it can feel impossible to make a meaningful and lasting difference. In this interactive presentation, Catherine lays out a 4-part framework for how to make a difference in your own life and the world around you, and leave with an action plan you can implement immediately.
Panel Discussion
In addition to breakout sessions, there will be a panel discussion focused on how food insecurity impacts specific populations and initiatives to remove barriers for groups including tribal communities, migrant workers, and military families. Confirmed panelists include Paloma Greenwald from Luke AFB Food Pantry, Juan Buendia from Native American Advancement Foundation, Khalil Rushdan from Arizona Faith Network and Felina Rodriguez from TONATIERRA.
Breakout Sessions
Best Practices of Mobile Pantries and Distributions – presented by Lauren Tomlinson-Handwerk from St. Mary’s Food Bank
Grantmaking 101 – presented by Terri Shoemaker from the Arizona Food Bank Network
Terri Shoemaker has experience with grantwriting for a variety of organizations and causes, and taught Grant and Proposal Writing at the University of Maine. For the past 8 years, she has supported the team at the Arizona Food Bank Network in funding the statewide effort to end hunger. In this session, she will provide an overview of grantwriting in today’s philanthropic and economic climates, as well as some tips, tricks, and clever ways of approaching your proposal.
Connect, Persuade, and Inspire: The Power of Storytelling – presented by Dora Vasquez
Shopper’s Choice – How guest choice restores dignity in food distributions – presented by KJ Gould
Connecting Food Pantries with Local School Districts – presented by Kathy Glindmeier and Debbie McCarron, Consultant Dietitians with AzFBN
Kathy and Debbie will share their experiences with K-12 schools and Food Banks connecting to better serve hungry families. Examples include school food drives, weekend backpack programs, satellite food pantries in schools, school nurse supply programs, and food bank volunteer opportunities (high school students). Also covered will be the backpack and supper programs available through Kids’ Café, helping food pantries understand federal programs for homeless students, federal confidentiality laws, and ways to communicate with local schools.
Urban Indigenous Food Programs – presented by Olivia Joe from NATIVE HEALTH
Olivia Joe oversees multiple food programs at NATIVE HEALTH including Read It and Eat, Indigenous Young Chefs in the Kitchen, Urban Native American Senior Food Boxes, CSFP, and the Central Food Pantry. Olivia will present information on NATIVE HEALTH’s various Indigenous food programs as well as a food demo, recipes, program creation, and more.
Building Trust and Security: Protecting Against EBT Theft – presented by MJ Simpson from E. Morris Institute for Justice
Criminal syndicates have found new victims: low-income Arizonans and their Nutrition and Cash Assistance funds and retailers. Learn about skimming, how to protect yourself and your clients from losing these vital funds, and how your clients can seek reimbursement of those funds.
Addressing Food Insecurity through School Gardens – presented by Brandon Merchant from Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
“This workshop will delve into the impact of school gardens in addressing food insecurity within communities. Led by the Health and Garden Education Coordinator for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, attendees will explore best practices for designing, implementing, and sustaining successful garden programs. The workshop aims to provide insights into how school gardens promote access to fresh produce, nutrition education, and community resilience, fostering healthier eating habits and empowering communities.”
MORE TO BE CONFIRMED!
For any inquiries or assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jeff Bender at [email protected].
Thank you for your commitment to ending food insecurity. We can’t wait to see you at our conference!
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