Minnesota Food Security: Communities in Crisis

Our communities are in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic and more recent civil rights crisis has affected every aspect of the food system from farm to fork. In the past few months since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, farmers have experienced losses that they had never envisioned before both within the US and globally. Farmers from all parts of the United States—from Midwestern dairy farmers to green bean farmers in Florida—have been forced to destroy harvests due to a severe decline in demand for their products as a result of the closures of restaurants, schools, hotels and other food service outlets.

At the same time, the closure of these food distribution outlets and other workplaces have meant the double blow of losses of jobs and income for the workers in these facilities and also the loss of access to food in many neighborhoods. Even where stores are open, prices are high and shortages are limiting options. Now, some of the most vulnerable communities in our state are made even more vulnerable by the destruction of grocery stores and other workplaces in large swaths of South Minneapolis.

In this webinar, panelists will share their thoughts and expertise on these issues and discuss actions and solutions that can support our communities in this time of crisis.

Panelists:

Lisa Brunner, Co-Curricular Director & Adjunct Faculty, White Earth Tribal and Community College

Angie P. Mejia, PhD, Assistant Professor & Civic Engagement Scholar , Center for Learning Innovation, University of Minnesota, Rochester

Kathryn J. Draeger, Statewide Director for the U of M Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, University of Minnesota

Moderators:

Karen Brown, PhD, Co-Lead UMN Sustainable Development Goals Initiative, University of Minnesota

Katey Pelican, DVM, PhD, Co-Lead UMN Sustainable Development Goals Initiative, University of Minnesota