I am now blogging at a new site connected to my work and will from time to time add posts that I write for that platform to this. I have wanted to link my work in hunger relief and policy with my passion for food. So, here’s the first one:

On December 3, The Federation’s Community Engagement Initiative hosted a panel of experts to discuss the crisis of childhood hunger in Los Angeles, and to share what they and others are doing to reduce its impact. Hunger is a daily reality for thousands of children throughout our City and beyond. Our audience heard how this widespread problem affects our communities and schools and what it means for our future. We engaged in an enlightening discussion with leaders who are working on the frontlines and giving voice to this issue every day. Our panelists were Matt Sharp, Senior Advocate for California Food Policy Advocates (CFPA), Jessica Jones, Policy & Outreach Manager for the L.A. Regional Food Bank and David Binkle, LAUSD Director of Food Services/ Menu Compliance, and were joined by Nicola Edwards, CFPA’s Registered Dietician who trains teachers in the Breakfast First Program in the public schools.  As an extra bonus, LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer joined us from the audience (he is an alumnus of the Federation’s New Leader Project) to describe the principles that have motivated the school board to implement the major changes we are seeing in LAUSD food programs.

If you would like to be added to the list to receive information about future events and activities of our Hunger Initiative contact me: