JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry staff participated in the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network 2022 state conference as speakers for a panel discussion.
Food Pantry Director Matthew Bolton and Program Assistant Teresa Rodgers spoke on addressing food security with cultural inclusion, discussing how JFCS takes steps in this mission. The panel discussion reviewed ways to research culturally appropriate foods through volunteers with relevant knowledge, how to address language barriers with clients, food procurement strategies, and culturally relevant foods for pantry distribution. The discussion had over 30+ attendees.
One of the questions from the audience was how to prepare or tailor programming and educational materials in advance. The pantry staff shared how they use interpreters from the JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services department help translate our nutrition education literature into languages like Dari, Russian, and Spanish. One of the conference panelists Adagio Health is a JFCS pantry partner and discussed trauma and how it impacts all social determinants of health including nutrition.
Staff also attended the main conference presentation with Clancy Harrison R.D, Founder of the Food Dignity Movement in Dallas, PA, who addressed how to create nutrition outreach programs
by making nutrient-rich foods framed with dignity and with less hassle and stigma for those seeking help. The conference created multiple opportunities to learn about advocacy on topics like SNAP (food stamps) and access to fresh food. The 2022 PA Nutrition Education Network Conference was a success with JFCS representation on the panel discussion and the chance to meet with other nutrition advocates from across the state!
