Save the Date – Fighting hunger shouldn’t be scary…
Join Save the Children Action Network and DMARC as we bring advocates from across the state of Iowa for the 2023 Iowa State Advocacy Summit on Saturday, October 28, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
What is the Advocacy Summit?
The Iowa State Advocacy Summit is an annual event that brings together advocates from across the state for a tailored experience that includes special speakers, expert panels, fun team building activities, and skills trainings. This year, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) and Des Moines Area Religious Council are teaming up to help anti-hunger and early learning advocates level-up their skills to be a strong presence in the community.
Why Advocacy?
Families across the state of Iowa are facing many challenges that prevent them from accessing the nutrition and early education experiences that kids need! Whether on the campaign trail speaking with presidential candidates, or holding elected officials accountable at the Iowa Capitol, children and families struggling everyday need your voice now more than ever!
Key Note Speaker
Erik Talkin, CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Erik Talkin is a recognized innovator and leader in America’s food bank network. His book, ‘Hunger into Health,’ with an introduction by Jeff Bridges, has been a rallying point for those who want to move from simple charity to building long-term food security. He is responsible for creating innovative national award-winning programs such as ‘Healthy School Pantry’ and ‘Kid’s Farmer’s Market’. He is a previous Board Member of the California Association of Food Banks and sat on the National Advisory Council of Feeding America.
Talkin’s book ‘Lulu and the Hunger Monster’ was written in response to the Food bank’s work with many families facing food insecurity, to help inspire kids to seek short term and long-term solutions. Two sequels to Lulu, “Jesse and the Snack Food Genie’ (looking at junk food) and ‘Frankie versus the Food Phantom’ (about the food system) have just been published. Find them at www.foodjusticebooksforkids.com.