“Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues faced by so many of our fellow New Yorkers,” said Dr. Jorge R. Petit, Former President and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “S:US is deeply committed to ensuring that the New Yorkers we serve have access to the fresh, nutritious food they need and deserve. We are so grateful to those who are driving change for our neighbors that joined us today and shared their experiences and expertise on such an important issue.”
Guest emcee Andrew Zimmern, a social justice advocate, chef and writer presided over the conference which brought together 175 guests from different sectors, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses.
“I’ve lived through homelessness. I’ve lived through hunger. I’ve taken meals at soup kitchens and at the Salvation Army,” said Zimmern in his introductory remarks at the conference. “I also have been a chef my entire life and I’ve worked in kitchens nonstop since I was fourteen years old. Chefs are at the heart of every public policy issue that I can name. We are in: Healthcare, immigration reform, climate crisis, farming, hunger, food waste, economic development. And I think that’s why you see so many chefs picking up a flag and trying to lead other people up the hill.”