Food access forum to share ‘concrete steps’ to address food insecurity

MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro Democratic Town Committee will host an informational forum, “Access to Healthy Food,” where speakers involved in food access will discuss how communities can address food insecurity.

The forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the parish hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro at 25 South Main St. Speakers who are involved in pantries and food access in Massachusetts communities will share information on how federal policy ties into local food insecurity. 

Information regarding how residents can get involved in improving food access will also be shared. The forum is a non-partisan event, and the committee invites all members of the public to attend.

All attendees are requested to bring an unexpired food item to donate to the church’s food pantry.

“We hope that all will attend with the intention of learning about and discussing matters that affect all of us. Food insecurity is an important issue in our community, and this forum will highlight challenges and concrete steps we can take to support each other,” stated Chair of the Middleboro Democratic Town Committee Rich Young, in a press release.

Speakers will include Kat Kowalski, a food systems specialist, David Cunningham and Olinda Morrison of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Middleboro, Meghan Riley, Agricultural Educator with Plymouth County, and a speaker from the Marion Institute.

The Unitarian Universalist parish hall on the lower level is handicap accessible. Additional parking is available in the Town Hall parking lot.