Local 1500 Leads Food Fight

In the fight to prevent the erosion of NYC supermarkets, Local 1500 of the UFCW has led the way; wherever there has been a fight against non-union box stores-and we think particularly of the Wal-Mart battle in Rego Park and the BJs fight in the Bronx-this local has used its resources and political capital to win important struggles for their members and the supermarkets they work for. As part of the UFCW's Region One (our client), 1500 has been an invaluable ally of the Alliance.

Now the Local is conducting a food policy conference today down at 32 BJ, that will bring together various stakeholders from around the city to address the crisis of disappearing supermarkets. Here's the full agenda from the union:

Building Blocks Food Policy Conference Greetings!

We look forward to meeting you on Thursday at the "Building Blocks Project" Food Policy Conference and would like to thank you for your commitment to these important issues. There will be tabling space if you would like to bring materials to share with the group.If you have any additional questions or need directions please email mkinberg@ufcw1500.org or call 516-491-6232.

"Building Blocks Project" Food Policy ConferenceThursday, July 10th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am 32 BJ - 101 Avenue of the Americas 22nd Fl. (between Grand and Watts Streets) A Hot Breakfast will be served starting at 8:30Subway directions:A - C - E or 1 train to Canal St.Conference Goal
1.) Mapping New York City's policy landscape
2.) Summary of issues and campaigns that food policy groups are working on
3.) Feedback on UFCW's Food Policy Principles
4.) Assess community needs for policy support
5.) Determine obstacles groups are facing that policy initiatives can help overcome
6.) Moving forward: building trust between organizations, forming bonds and creating organization process

Agenda

Welcome 9:00 am – 9:05 amUFCW Local 1500 Building Blocks Project Presentation

9:05 – 9:25 Panel Presentation – Mapping NYC Food Policy

9:25 – 9:55Sean Sweeney, Director, Global Labor Institute
James Subudhi, Sustainability Coordinator, WE ACT
Roger Hayes, Program Director of the Harlem DPHO, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Dan Miner, Chair of Sierra Club NYC Group
Sarita Daftary, Director, East New York Farms! Project
Triada Stampas, Director of Government Relations & Public Education, Food Bank/Food Change

Q&A – 9:55-10:15

Breakout Groups 10:15 – 10:50
Discussion topics Policy Principles

Moving Forward Breakout Group report back – 10:50 -11:20

Mapping review – 11:20 -11:25

Next Steps – 11:25 -