EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Members of the food industry gathered today to discuss ongoing issues like food waste and insecurity.
“We’re going to find out what new trends are happening in the industry,” said Feed Evansville Executive Director Lisa Vaughan. “We’re going to let them know what the commission is hearing within the food security world. We’re also going to tell them what our strategic directions are and we’re going to see how we can collaborate and work together.”
Vaughan says the Grocery Summit invites food suppliers, grocery store managers and farmers to come together and learn about some of the food related issues facing the area.
“Unfortunately, there’s a huge amount of food waste that happens in America,” said Vaughan, “but we want to hone in on that waste and see how we can eliminate it even more.”
Vaughan says they also discussed the role inflation and tariffs are playing on grocery prices, adding more strain to those already struggling with access to food.
“Food insecurity unfortunately is a huge issue within the Tri-State area, especially within Vanderburgh County,” she said. “For us, this is just another elevated way to look at food, look at the systems, and try to tackle it from all different areas.”
And those in attendance say the chance to speak to so many all focused on one goal is a positive step in the right direction.
“It’s great to have a touch point with these folks,” said Laura Stoltz with FarmWise Indiana. “It doesn’t always naturally happen every day operationally. It’s good that Feed Evansville hosted this event to get us all in the same room.”
Feed Evansville leaders say they plan to continue to tackle food insecurity concerns. They’re planning a Christmas in July canned food drive this summer. They say that’s around the time when food insecurity rates peak.
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