In November, VFHY hosted a webinar focused on ending food insecurity. We were joined by three passionate and inspiring leaders from the food access space:

Radha Muthiah is the president and CEO of Capital Area Food Bank, an organization that connects more than 400 hunger relief organizations around the Washington, DC area, and advocates for state and federal policy changes to increase food access.

Regina Anderson is the executive director of Food Recovery Network, which mobilizes college students across the country to divert surplus food from their campuses and donate it to hunger-fighting partner agencies.

And Diane Charles is the project manager of Fairfax Food Council, a coalition of citizens and local partners working to advance a sustainable, equitable food system for the residents of Fairfax County.

Here are the top three tips from the webinar to help anyone take action against food insecurity in their community:

We’re stronger together. Capital Area Food Bank works with more than 400 community partners, including local schools, shelters, farmers, nonprofits, and more (among them, fellow webinar guest Fairfax Food Council). CAFB’s efforts would not be possible without this extensive network and the unique skillset and approach that each partner provides.

“The only way systems function is when you’ve got many organizations with very different expertise coming together and bridging that expertise to be able to create that change…. That’s the power of a system. You can feel you’re doing your part; others are playing unique roles that allow for that sustainable impact,” said Radha.

Empower youth to play a part in decision-making. Each organization involves young people, giving them a platform to make change in their communities. Food Recovery Network was founded by college students, and Capital Area Food Bank mobilizes young volunteers.

Fairfax Food Council recently took youth empowerment to the next level by inviting young people to participate in their leadership. Diane explained how the organization is working with the youth members of the food council to understand how to meaningfully engage young people in service of their mission. “Be sure to involve your youth in decisions,” she reminded attendees.

Don’t take no for an answer. Food Recovery Network and its chapters across the country have faced endless challenges. Regina explained that many campus officials blocked food rescue efforts because of concerns about their legal liability. They only changed their minds after many meetings with Food Recovery representatives, who explained how they would rescue unneeded food while staying completely within the boundaries of the law.

Regina said, “The transformative power of people who do not take no for an answer is so impactful. It is so powerful…. You’ve got to not take no for an answer, and you’ve got to really find your ‘yes people,’ those who are willing to hear you out, are willing to try.”

See all VFHY’s upcoming events and join us for a webinar or workshop soon: https://www.vfhy.org/events/