You’re Invited: Food Justice Summit at Penn State
February 13, 4-7 PM | HUB-Heritage Hall
Join us at the first Food Justice Summit, a dynamic and engaging event for students and faculty to come together to explore and address food justice at Penn State. Enjoy free food from a local caterer while participating in meaningful discussions and action-oriented workshops! All are welcome–students, staff, faculty and community members.
What to Expect:
• Key Insights: Learn about the key players in the food justice movement at Penn State and how their work is impacting our community.
• In-Depth Discussions: Gain new perspectives from fellow students and community members on the complex issues surrounding food access, equity, and sustainability.
• Collaborative Action: Work alongside peers to brainstorm solutions and create actionable plans for advancing food justice on campus.
• Amplify Student Voices: Share your ideas, insights, and experiences—your voice will continue to shape the conversation even after the event.
This action-focused event will prioritize tangible steps toward reducing food injustice within our community. It will include lightning talks by student leaders, a panel of Penn State Administrators with an open Q&A, small group brainstorming discussions, and hands-on workshops. The Summit agenda is as follows:
• 4:00-4:30 PM: Introduction and Lightning Talks
• 4:45-5:30 PM: Stakeholder Panel featuring Penn State Staff and Faculty: Jim Meinecke, Lara Fowler, Andrea Dowhower, Meg Bruening
• 5:40-6:10 PM: Group Brainstorming for Future Changes
• 6:10-7:00 PM: Action-Based Workshops
“We want students, faculty and staff to walk away feeling supported and empowered, knowing that this issue is a priority that will continue to be addressed. This summit offers an opportunity to find the pathways for engaging in this work,” said Student Farm Club food justice project team lead Sylvie Alexander. “This will be the first Food Justice Summit, but not the last.”
The event planners are aiming to empower students to contribute their perspectives to create plans and/or discuss ideas for action, increase understanding of the key people and organizations working in the food justice movement on campus, and ensure student voices are amplified during and after the event.
“This summit is a powerful reminder that our young leaders are not just the future – they are the present force for change. This Summit represents the importance of the need to advance the food justice movement, driving innovative solutions and amplifying the voices of those most affected by food insecurity,” said Vice President of Student Affairs, Andrea Dowhower. “As the need to address food injustice grows, students’ passion and action are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable food system for all.”
Recommended readings before the Summit:
Racism and Capitalism: Dual Challenges for the Food Movement by Eric Holt-Gimenez. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2015.052.014
The College Campus as a Living Laboratory for Meaningful Food System Transformation by Jason R. Evans and April M. Roggio. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.122.014
From Food Access to Food Sovereignty by Darby, K., Hemmer, L., Holt, R., Kempton, T., Rosario, M. del, Stubblefield, J., & Webster, G. DOI:https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2023.122.020