SOFSA Blog
SOFSA Attends Statewide Advocacy Day: “In show of bipartisan support, N.Y. lawmakers join advocates to push for universal free school meals”
Moving into 2024, one of SOFSA's policy priorities will continue to be universal free school meals. On Monday, January 29th 2024, SOFSA staff attended a statewide advocacy day with the Healthy School Meals for All Coalition in Albany. Co-led by Hunger Solutions New...
In the news: “Syracuse and Washington leaders address food deserts with community solutions.”
SOFSA is proud to work in partnership with Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now! (FAHNN), a grassroots organization working to bring food access to Syracuse's Southside/Valley neighborhoods. The neighborhood is one of the most low-income, low-access neighborhoods in...
In the news: “Food insecurity a concern with expected population influx in Syracuse, experts say.”
With over 45,000 people currently facing food insecurity in the greater Syracuse-Onondaga area, concern is growing around food access as the area expects to see a population increase with Micron's announcement to build the largest semiconductor plant in the country....
Food Justice Fund – Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents General Information What is community grantmaking? Where did these funds come from? How will funds be distributed? How can I contribute to the Food Justice Fund for 2025? Process & Timeline What is the expected timeline? What is the Food Justice...
In the news: “Incentive program encourages residents to choose healthy, fresh produce.”
Over the past year, SOFSA had the privilege of co-hosting an Americorps VISTA in partnership with Field & Fork Network. Our VISTA, Chloe Cabrera, focused her energy on increasing sign-ups for the Double Up Food Bucks program in Syracuse, and expanding the program...
Recapping the First Annual Food Justice Gathering
On Saturday, October 28th, 2023, SOFSA hosted our first annual Food Justice Gathering at Plymouth Congregational Church in downtown Syracuse. The Gathering, and its theme of legacy, took inspiration from past food justice symposiums and events organized over the years...
2023 Candidate Policy Positions
Policy-makers play a key role in uplifting our local food system so that it works for all people in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Onondaga Nation. Through a survey, SOFSA asked this year’s election candidates about how they support a healthy Central New York food...
National Farmers Day
Today, October 12 is National Farmers Day. Today we celebrate the hard work that goes into growing and raising the food we eat. The Syracuse-Onondaga area is blessed with a variety of agricultural operations, and SOFSA is proud to work with farmers to accomplish our...
More schools in Central New York offering free school meals thanks to statewide advocacy
Among SOFSA’s policy priorities for 2023 has been advocating alongside key statewide partners for New York State to join states from across the country in guaranteeing free school meals to all students. Co-led by Hunger Solutions New York and Community Food Advocates,...
In the news: “Bringing everyone to the table: How a Coalition is keeping culture at the forefront of local agriculture.”
Central New York Magazine's annual food issue released this summer highlighted SOFSA and many of its partners and the work we are doing to build a better food system together. In addition to grounding SOFSA's work and mission in the framework of food sovereignty,...