Aren’t We All Eaters?: Creating an Equitable Food Policy Agenda In Central New York

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Paige Clay recently graduated with a B.A. in political science (concentration in U.S national politics) and Africana studies from the College of Wooster. Paige has always been interested in social justice and racial equity work, but her combined personal experiences with hunger and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) developed into an interest in food justice. As an undergraduate, Paige focused her efforts on exploring anti-poverty/anti-hunger research regarding low-income populations and food deserts. Before becoming an Emerson fellow, Paige worked as an undergraduate fellow for The Policy Academies where she pursued independent research on how SNAP participation and food access produce negative health effects on Black low income/low access (LILA) populations in Georgia. As an Emerson Fellow, Paige hopes to amplify vulnerable voices in marginalized communities to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.

Established in 2019, the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) is an independent food council in Central New York serving the city of Syracuse and surrounding Onondaga County.

The overarching goal of the SOFSA partnership is to serve as both a network of food system stakeholders as well as a catalyst for collaboration among diverse partners. SOFSA engages across sectors to advance projects, build linkages, and foster relationships that enhance the livelihoods of all partners. The partnership aims to ensure the long-term viability and vitality of the region’s agricultural sector while simultaneously increasing access to healthy food and reducing the prevalence of food insecurity within the county.