Social Workers, Community Leaders, Educators Meet at Pitt July 21 to Tackle Issue of Race and Hunger

PITTSBURGH-Local educators, community leaders, policy makers, and social workers will convene at Pitt's Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 21 for a free institute titled "Race, Hunger, and Food Insecurity."

The third in a series of summer institutes hosted by CRSP, the meeting will be held in the School of Social Work Conference Center, 20th floor, Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Participants will be briefed on pertinent issues in the morning and will gather in small groups to develop action plans beginning at 2 p.m.

Attendees will examine the problem at the national, state, and local levels. The featured speakers and titles of their presentations follow.

9:10 a.m.

"Racial Disparities in Hunger and Food Insecurity: A Blueprint to End Hunger in America_"

George Braley, senior vice president of government relations and public policy for Feeding America. In this position, Braley oversees the agency's research, advocacy, policy, and interaction with government entities. He also has been associate administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, managing the Food Stamp Program, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and others. Feeding America comprises individuals, local food banks, and corporate and government partners, working together to provide food to Americans living with hunger.

10:15 a.m.

"Hunger and Food Insecurity by Race in Pennsylvania: A Blueprint for a Hunger-Free Pennsylvania"

Joyce Rothermel, chief executive officer, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. With a background in elementary education, Rothermel served as associate director of the Thomas Merton Center before cofounding both the Jubilee Kitchen in 1979 and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in 1980. She has been the Food Bank's president and CEO since 1987. Rothermel was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Frieda Shapira Medal-an honor presented annually for exemplary non-profit leadership-by the Forbes Funds in cooperation with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation.

11:20 a.m.

"Hunger and Food Insecurity by Race in the Pittsburgh Region: A Blueprint for Addressing Those Problems"

Cynthia Moore began her career at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank as a volunteer and worked her way up through the ranks to her current position as chief outreach officer. She works to build the agency's capacity and increase community engagement. Moore is a member of several local non-profit boards and volunteers as a youth mentor for Sister's Place and as a recreational companion for adults with disabilities through Exceptional Adventures.

1 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Implications for Pittsburgh

Panelists include:

Fay Morgan, executive director of North Hills Community Outreach

Richard Morris, director, Resident Self-Sufficiency Program, Pittsburgh Housing Authority

2 p.m.

Small Group Sessions: Action Plans for Pittsburgh

3:15 p.m.

Small Groups Report on Their Discussions

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7/17/09/tmw