Creating Safe Spaces: Strengthening Food Access for LGBTQIA2S+ Individuals

Session Summary: LGBTQIA2S+ individuals face distinct barriers to food assistance, including discrimination, lack of cultural competence, and stigma, with even greater challenges for those navigating college hunger and racial justice issues. This session will explore the critical need for creating safe, inclusive spaces in both federal and local food programs to ensure equitable access for LGBTQIA2S+ communities, particularly in higher education settings. Participants will deepen their understanding of the intersectionality between gender identity, sexual orientation, food insecurity, and race, examining how these factors compound hunger among LGBTQIA2S+ college students and other marginalized groups.

The session will include interactive discussions where attendees share their experiences and identify evidence-based solutions to improve food access and policy for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. A key focus will be on addressing racial justice, exploring how food insecurity disproportionately affects LGBTQIA2S+ people of color and the unique barriers they face in accessing support. Participants will contribute ideas on improving outreach, enhancing cultural competence, and fostering partnerships with LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy groups to build trust and inclusion.

This session is especially relevant at an anti-hunger policy conference, as it focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and promoting policy change. By addressing the specific needs of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, especially in the context of college hunger and racial justice, we can create food assistance programs that are more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all communities. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to advocate for and implement inclusive policies, advancing efforts to build a food system that serves everyone justly.