The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma hosted this special day of awareness thanks to a grant provided by Feeding America. Community leaders, subject experts, and other stakeholders came together to share their knowledge and experience to support all levels of food security and food sovereignty. The information exchanged will build partnerships and coalitions to fight hunger. The day began with a welcome from our CEO and President Jeff Marlow and then a keynote address from nationally recognized Chef Pyet DeSpain, advocate and the first winner of Gordon Ramsey’s Next Level Chef. Our fantastic culinary staff prepared a delicious native lunch and then the rest of the day was filled with idea exchanges with a tabletop activity as well as special panel. Mark Ford, Feeding America’s Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships also made a special presentation.
The Summit ended with wonderful performances by Mended Spirits.
Special thanks to presenters including Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr, Cherokee Nation; Chief Craig Harper, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Joe Deere, Cherokee Nation Council; Amy Warne, MBA, RD/LD, Manager of Nutrition and Health Programs, Partnership for a Healthier America; Chef Nico Albert Williams, Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness; Courtney Natseway, Food Sovereign Initiative, College of the Muscogee Nation; Jackie White, Program Director of American Indian Education, Oklahoma State Department of Education; Travis Andrews, Founder, Native Farming Solutions; Stephanie Harris, Regional Food Bank; Chris Bernard, Hunger Free Oklahoma; Mark Ford, Director of Native/Tribal Partnerships, Feeding America; and keynote speaker, Chef Pyet DeSpain.
Check out just some of the news coverage from the day!
Tribal Leaders Unite With Food Bank To Tackle Food Insecurity Among Native Americans
