North Country organizations strategize to strengthen North Country food system
by Grace McIntyre
LAKE PLACID — The doors to the meeting room at Heaven Hill Farm were cracked open, and the breeze and sunshine beckoned people outside. Representatives from a diverse range of North Country organizations meandered in the sun and sat in the grass, discussing one question: How can collaboration help strengthen the Adirondack food system to make life better for everyone?
The annual meeting of the Adirondack Food Systems Network took place in Lake Placid on Monday, Sept. 8, as new and returning members discussed ways to optimize resources to improve life in the region.
AFSN is the food policy council for 12 North Country counties. In addition to advocating for food policies at the state level, AFSN brings together a coalition of nonprofits, farmers and health organizations who work together to examine the food system and work towards making it more equitable and sustainable.
AFSN Director Josh Stephani said these discussion began around the coronavirus pandemic, but the situation has only become more urgent and complicated. There were emerging health disparities related to access to healthy food, and a clear need for increased economic vitality in the region.
Read the full article in the Lake Placid News.