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.
When: Friday, September 26, 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration & Location: Online, Via Zoom. Registration is free and open to everyone.
Topic: Join us for a discussion about our local food systems. Panelists from Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) will explore what food systems are, how they function, and the ways each of us are connected to them. Together, we will learn why hunger solutions such as emergency food pantries are critical in the short term, yet cannot fully solve long-term food insecurity. Panelists will share lived experiences navigating hunger as well as insights from their work supporting community members. Panelists will also discuss the ways SOFSA is addressing both immediate and long-term goals for building a more equitable food system. Finally, panelists will highlight meaningful ways attendees can get involved and support this important work.
Panelists & Sponsor:
Raymond Brown, Community Connector, Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance
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Raymond Brown, as a Community Connector with SOFSA, brings lived experience and community-driven leadership skills to maintain SOFSA’s relationships and accountability to the communities it serves, and also accountability of SOFSA leadership as part of a co-governance with the Board.
Renee Marcoux, Equity, Inclusion, & Engagement Manager, Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance
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Renee Marcoux, as SOFSA’s Equity, Inclusion, & Engagement Manager, brings over 10 years of expertise in food justice and urban agriculture, driving initiatives that prioritize deep community engagement to bring about systemic change
Micah Orieta, Food Systems & Network-Building Organizer, Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance
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Micah Orieta, serving as the Food Systems & Network-Building Organizer at SOFSA, passionately advocates for food sovereignty, leveraging their background in communications to connect diverse community members and amplify local initiatives.
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the September 2025 FOCUS Forum. EDR’s support enables us to continue providing free access to this valuable educational resource.
Founded in 1979, EDR is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions arrived at through collaboration with our clients and allies. EDR’s mission is dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment – for our clients, for our employees, and for our communities. Our diverse Practice Areas include Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Cultural Resources, Community Planning, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by our Operations team that includes Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications.
Join us in making a difference by becoming a sponsor and helping sustain this impactful program. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses who are eager to make a positive impact.