On January 14th, FVHD was proud to host a Food Insecurity Summit, our first Health in All Policies event, at the Avon Senior Center community room. Joining FVHD were local leaders, passionate community members, elected officials, food pantries, state and local organizations, and other partners and stakeholders. Together, we shared insights, explored solutions to food insecurity, and strengthened connections across towns in the Farmington Valley.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. In 2023, the ten towns we serve had 1,309 households that received SNAP benefits. Additionally, approximately 535 families in the Farmington Valley are projected to lose $25 or more per month in SNAP benefits due to President Trump signing H.R.1, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law. However, this data tells a fraction of the story. It does not account for common life events that can lead a household to needing to stretch their money or prioritize other bills before nutritious food: a missed paycheck, a medical emergency, job loss, damage from weather; the list goes on. The need for community-led solutions to food insecurity has never been more present.
The event kicked off with two panels consisting of representatives from CT Foodshare, UConn Rudd Center, End Hunger Connecticut!, Healing Meals, Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, as well as Representative Eleni Kavros-DeGraw. The panelists discussed the impact of food insecurity as well as innovative strategies to address this growing issue. The panels were moderated by Christian Duborg, food and nutrition policy analyst from the state’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO).
The event ended in a collective brainstorm and discussion session where attendees worked together to identify the resources, strengths, gaps, and barriers to addressing food insecurity in their communities. Attendees also brainstormed potential solutions and actions that could lead to bigger impacts in addressing this critical issue. FVHD will be releasing an issue brief soon that describes the state of food insecurity in the district and highlights the conversations that took place at the summit.
Addressing food insecurity at the local level is critical as community-driven solutions are best positioned to respond to the unique needs and strengths of our residents. The discussions we started here will continue as we work collaboratively toward lasting change and support for every household in our community. Thank you to those who attended the event. For those looking to get involved further, consider making a donation to your local food pantry, or join our Healthy Eating & Active Living Workgroup.