Food insecurity and a lack of access to healthy food affects the health and wellbeing of vulnerable low-income Missourians. However, it is not solely a problem for low-income residents, but a concern for all Missourians.

 

Food insecurity and a lack of access to healthy foods affects every part of our society, including education, health care, national security and our state and national economies. As a community and a state, we must push for action and work toward strengthening our food systems and making them more equitable for all Missourians. 

Institutions such as hospitals, schools, businesses, and government agencies play a number of important roles in a community: service provider, employer, educator, as well as community and cultural hub. These institutions also play an important role in advancing the health and well-being of communities and can do so by leveraging their purchasing power to expand healthy food access for residents, clients, employees, and students. Across the country, institutions are advancing innovative food procurement programs and policies that are aligning food purchasing to support access to healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food, strengthen local economies, grow quality jobs, and advance environmental sustainability. 

 

This webinar highlights examples, promising strategies, and lessons learned in engaging with health care, educational, and business institutions to shift purchasing practices toward improved healthy food access and more equitable food systems.

 

Featured Speakers: 

Ted Howard, Co-Founder and President, Democracy Collaborative

Lucia Sayre, Regional Director, Health Care Without Harm

Adam Kesselman, Project Director, Center for Ecoliteracy

Estefanía Narváez, West Coast Regional Coordinator, Real Food Challenge

Diana Rivera, Research Associate, PolicyLink (moderator)