Food Systems Network NYC is a membership based organization designed to foster communication and cultivate community amongst various stake holders and professionals working across the food system. Members gather monthly for Open Networking meetings to encourage collaboration; share information; discuss public policy; and promote opportunities for individuals to partner on specific projects. We are pleased to launch our website to better fulfill our mission and to provide tools for our members to share resources and grow stronger. Please enjoy looking through what our site has to offer, and if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to get in touch!

Commission on Sustainable Development

Please join us Tuesday, May 13th in welcoming international delegates of the
Commission on Sustainable Development to NYC! FSNYC members accredited
to the CSD will be attending both UN meetings and Showcase events this
month and will join us, along with special guests, to report out on
impressions and highlights. This meeting will be facilitated by Cathy Nonas, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Search For Good Food Gets Easier With Expanded Eat Well Guide
Posted by Kerry Trueman, Eating Liberally

When The Sustainable Table launched its online directory, The Eat Well Guide, back in 2003, its goal was to help folks find non-factory farmed animal products. But as the demand for fresh, local, sustainably produced food grows, The Eat Well Guide’s growing right along with it, broadening the scope of its mission to include produce, farmers’ markets, and vegan restaurants. The folks at Eat Well are even dipping their toes in the water with H20 Conserve, a campaign to encourage wiser water usage.

NYS Council on Food Policy Responds to Request for Listening Session in Manhattan Convenient to Vulnerable Populations
Posted by Ann McMahon, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets

The NYS Council on Food Policy is conducting a Listening Tour around the state to gain perspective from community members on several food policy issue areas and to seek opportunities to maximize collaboration among stakeholders. The Listening Sessions are open to the public and are an open microphone format. Anyone who wishes to participate will have five minutes to present their opinions and must also provide their comments in written format. Comments should focus on the key issue areas identified by the Council.

Key issue areas include:
1) Maximize participation in food and nutrition assistance programs;
2) Strengthen the connection between local food products and consumers;

Posted by Thomas Forster, IPSA
The GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS, climate change and sustainable agriculture are among the many topics that will be addressed by leaders of farmers, women, indigenous peoples, trade union, youth and other major groups of civil society around the world. Representatives of civil society and government delegations will share their reflections on the first week of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and debate the way forward for food and farming systems of the world.

HOW ARE YOU IMPACTING OUR LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM?
LET US ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EFFORTS!

FSNYC members are a dynamic group of non-profits, small business, individuals and government representatives who are leading the exciting changes in our regional food systems. And it’s growing all the time. Since our website debut in December 2007, we have enjoyed a 19% increase in membership. As a Network, our role is to leverage YOUR accomplishments, by fostering opportunities for your work to intersect with that of others’ for greater impact within our regional food system.

Now we want to expand the networking and collaboration opportunities of our Network by inviting your stories about your collaborative work. When you submit the collaboration form attached, FSNYC will document and catalogue collaborations among FSNYC members and non-FSNYC members. This catalogue of collaborative work will be used to:

Cookin' up the School Food Revolution 

Posted by Hilary Baum, Baum Forum
Schools, Food and Community brought together New York’s First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson and Department of Agriculture and Market’s Commissioner’s Patrick Hooker to address many of the 520 professionals, advocates and youth who gathered for the April 11th and 12th conference on the school food revolution. Portions of the First Lady’s presentation of her “Healthy Steps to Albany” program for Harlem middle school students were broadcast on four television networks bringing her message and news of the conference to over 500,000 viewers!

Posted by Kerry Trueman, Eating Liberally

Last month’s Food For Thought film festival drew a great turnout, and much of the credit goes to FSNYC member Martha Ma, the festival’s executive producer. Ma, who is a health counselor, community chef, and multimedia dynamo (she hosts a public access tv show “the Tasty Life,” and edits the e-newsletter “Eater’s Digest,”) recently discussed the festival and her dreams for a healthier, saner food chain with Feministing, a website dedicated to empowering young women.

Read the entire interview here.