Over 80 researchers, data experts and representatives from community organizations gathered to identify and explore Pennsylvania state and regional food distribution needs and challenges, create a network of researchers and collaborate on next steps at the Food Security and Access for Healthy Futures Symposium on April 24. The event was hosted by Penn State in collaboration with the Helping Harvest Food Bank.
Organized by Abdullah Konak, distinguished professor of information systems and technology, and Sadan Kulturel-Konak, professor of management information systems, both of Penn State Berks, the event built upon previous research with the goal of developing data-driven pathways and tools for strengthening local food access within charitable food distribution systems like food banks.
"The symposium centered on a simple, but powerful belief: Meaningful solutions emerge when we bring diverse voices together and create a space for dialogue," Kulturel-Konak said. "One theme that came through and through again was that the symposium created a space where practitioners, community leaders and academics didn't just come together to share ideas, but truly engaged with one another, leading to conversations that were more candid, more grounded in reality and, ultimately, far more actionable."
Researchers and community partners shared their findings on common challenges faced by state residents, specific needs in different regions, food insecurity and ensuring food accessibility in distribution via two rounds of lightning talks and a community panel discussion.
