FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum was held in-person at the Food Bank of Central New York, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
FOCUS Forums are always free and open to everyone, because we believe civic conversations shouldn’t come with a price tag! Forums like this are made possible by generous sponsors and community donors. If you’d like to be a part of that, a gift of $10 helps us keep the doors open! Make your optional $10 donation today!
Topic: FOCUS hosted a hybrid public forum on food access, health system partnership, and civic advocacy at the Food Bank of Central New York during Hunger Action Month. Panelists from the Food Bank and Upstate University Hospital explored the deep connection between food insecurity and chronic disease, the innovative programs bringing food directly into healthcare settings and rural communities, and the significant federal policy changes that are already reshaping how food assistance reaches families across the region. The conversation made clear that food access is not a charity issue; it is a public health issue, a civic issue, and one that community members can and should be engaged with, especially now. FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is a nonpartisan organization. The views and opinions expressed by panelists at FOCUS Forums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of FOCUS or its sponsors.
Free, Optional Guided Tour: Following the September FOCUS Forum, in-person attendees are invited to join a free, optional tour of the Food Bank of Central New York’s warehouse. Get an inside look at how the Food Bank collects, stores, and distributes food throughout our community! The tour is open to all in-person Forum attendees and will take place immediately following the Forum. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. This tour is wheelchair accessible. Joining us virtually? You can also arrange a tour of the Food Bank at a time that is convenient for you! Email Lynn Hy at LHy@foodbankcny.org, and she will work with you to schedule a mutually agreeable time for your tour.
Language Access: FOCUS Forums are presented in English. Zoom provides optional, automated live captions and translation features that participants may choose to enable. These tools are generated by Zoom and are not professionally interpreted.
How We Built This Conversation: This topic came directly from a community member who responded to our survey. Your suggestions shape FOCUS Forums. Have a topic you’d like to see at a future FOCUS Forum? Suggest a topic or panelist here.
Agenda:
11:45 – Doors Open
12:00 – Welcome
12:05 – Panelist Presentations (#3 panelists, 8 minutes each)
12:30 – Moderated Q&A
12:55 – Closing Remarks
1:00 – Free, Optional Warehouse Tour
Panelists:
Karen Belcher, CPA, CGMA, President & CEO, Food Bank of Central New York
Becky Lare, Vice President of Government Relations, Food Bank of Central New York
Caitlin Toomey, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Quality, Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical Director of Population Health, Upstate University Hospital
