This speech was delivered during the beginning of the first meeting of the then-newly formed Community Food Access Coalition by its Interim President, Sierra Nuckols.
Good evening, everyone.
I am honored to stand before you today as the acting president of this newly formed Community Food Access Coalition. This Coalition was born from the passion of those of you who have attended multiple public forums organized by the Indianapolis Food Advisory Commission.
Tonight is a culmination of years of passion, hard work, and relentless advocacy by each one of you in this room. We have come together, bound by our shared vision and determination to create a better food system in Indianapolis.
For too long, we have witnessed the same patterns of inaction, gatekeeping, and lack of transparency. Ordinance 337, formally established in 2021, was supposed to prioritize community involvement and empowerment. However, millions of dollars have been spent without community input, and the creation of the coalition has been overlooked. But today, we change that narrative.
Folks came together organically to establish this coalition during the fifth public forum led by the Indianapolis Food Advisory Commission. Our formation is a testament to our collective resolve to ensure that community voices are heard and respected.
Our primary goal is to create a food system that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone has access to healthy, affordable food. We will work to eliminate the barriers that have hindered progress and to build a system that supports food advocates, farmers, and people with lived experience with hunger.
Unlike the endless cycle of focus groups and forums that have led to little action, our coalition is about making things happen. We will be proactive, transparent, and accountable. We will ask the hard questions and demand the answers that have been withheld for too long. Together, we will implement initiatives and policies that reflect the true needs of those most affected by food apartheid.
In closing, I want to thank each one of you for your dedication and commitment. This coalition is a beacon of hope and a symbol of our collective power. Let us move forward with confidence.
Thank you.
Photo: Indy TV Now covers Sierra Nuckols installing a new Food Box at Indianapolis Public School #87 with the team from #87 and Board Member Kristen Phair on March 2, 2023. Source: Community Food Box Project.