Getting to Yes: Winning over lawmakers and funders on anti-hunger policies and programs

Session Summary: Getting to Yes: How grassroots advocates in Louisiana are winning over lawmakers and funders on anti-hunger policies and programs! As conservative lawmakers widen their influence and impact, how do you work to get anti-hunger policies passed and programs funded? Food policy organizing in Louisiana has a history of working across the aisle alongside impacted farmers and families, using strategies to highlight how anti-hunger programs benefit us all. Most recently, in 2023-2024, Louisiana lawmakers said NO to Summer EBT. Still, advocates did not give up, and due to their efforts, the state ended up accepting and implementing Summer EBT, as well as $1 million in funding for statewide SNAP matching at farmers' markets. Learn how we worked together across Louisiana and across sectors with farmers and lobbyists to turn that ‘no’ into a resounding YES. Participants will hear about grassroots efforts from diverse stakeholders, including food-focused community organizations, a local public health department, and a vegetable farmer. The session will focus on leveraging public programs with private dollars and bringing together diverse coalitions to improve food security and equitable, healthy food access within communities. By involving farmers in the process and diversifying funding sources, our programs can build both food security and food sovereignty simultaneously.