Resilience, advocacy, and communication are deeply connected. To create lasting change in food access, we must strengthen relationships, equip communities with the tools to advocate for themselves, and share stories that inspire action. This was the core message I took away from CSPI’s two-day convening. Whether through the keynote address, skill-building sessions, or discussions on food access, one truth remained clear: strong community-driven solutions are essential to our work at Sustainable Food Center (SFC). 

Building resilience through relationships

At the recent CSPI convening, I found inspiration in Sagdrina Brown Jalal’s keynote speech, “Resilience in Action.” With decades of experience leading national food system initiatives, her insights on resilience, creativity, adaptation, and deepening relationships resonated with me. As the Senior Community Engagement Specialist at Sustainable Food Center (SFC), I’ve spent the past decade increasing food access and fostering community-driven solutions across Texas. I see firsthand how food connects us, and my goal is to reduce barriers so that people can access fresh, local produce while joining in the effort to transform our food system.  

Brown Jalal’s emphasis on relationship-building, especially with oneself, resonated with me—particularly as we navigate the complexities of food access in a rapidly changing environment. Self-care is a leadership tool—a reminder that sustaining advocacy efforts is a long-term commitment. If we see our work as a marathon rather than a sprint, personal growth becomes essential. When I take care of myself, I can take care of others. This concept applies to our partnerships as well. At SFC, we have incredible community partners who share our mission to transform the food system. We can achieve even more together by opening alternative avenues for collaboration, particularly in language access. Making food access information available in multiple languages is not just about inclusivity—it's a step to fostering resilience. It strengthens our partnerships with long-term allies, especially when communities face economic uncertainty and policy shifts that impact food access programs.

Brown Jalal’s keynote made me think about how we can create a more trusting and resilient environment with our community. At SFC, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential in connecting people with food access and nutrition education resources. Six days a week, CHWs staff SFC’s Help Desk, offering real-time information in both English and Spanish to communities across Texas. Our team is committed to ensuring people have the information and resources needed to access and maximize local food programs and benefits.  

Our Help Desk yields positive results and collects direct community feedback. And while I am proud of this, after Joshi’s keynote, I am more aware that some individuals—particularly those facing immigration-related concerns—may hesitate to call or attend public events. CHWs play a crucial role, acting as trusted messengers who bridge language and cultural gaps to ensure that resources reach the people who need them most.  

The power of storytelling in advocacy

One of the most impactful skill-building sessions I attended was the Foundational Skills for Media Interviews, alongside my colleague, Ariana DeLaurentis, SFC’s Marketing and Communications Manager. We both have experience in storytelling, capturing testimonies from farmers, community partners, and individuals who benefit from SFC’s programs across Texas. However, this session reinforced that effective advocacy relies on clear, compelling storytelling.

The workshop emphasized the importance of preparation, confidence, and message clarity, particularly in virtual settings. Currently, Ariana and I are working with the CSPI team to develop coordinated outreach and communication strategies aimed at increasing public awareness of  Double Up Food Bucks Texas (Double Up Texas), the statewide SNAP incentive program that SFC leads. The session highlighted the importance of concise messaging, backed by real-life stories.  

As a result, we decided to partner with a media firm to provide a more in-depth interview and media training. This investment will help amplify community voices and equip us with the tools to guide conversations on Double Up Texas’s impact with policymakers, reporters, and stakeholders. Ariana and I are eager to share these insights with our regional partners, helping farmers and market managers effectively communicate their stories and strengthen support for food access initiatives across Texas. 

Advocacy as a tool for resilience

At the end of the convening, CSPI Vice President for Programs Anupama Joshi’s words, “Advocate for Change,” stayed in my mind and in my heart, too. Advocacy is not just about policy—it’s about community-driven change. With this realization, I was reflecting on what advocacy means in my daily work at SFC to increase food access across Texas.  

Advocating effectively requires practice, a support system, and dedication. In my role, I focus on creating opportunities for experiential advocacy, including:  

• Lobby days where individuals engage with policymakers and representatives on food access issues.
• Comprehensive policy advocacy training that equips advocates with the knowledge and confidence to engage in the legislative process.  
• Public speaking workshops to help community members become powerful storytellers for food access.
• Compensation structures to retain dedicated advocates and ensure their valuable contributions are recognized.

When inviting someone to become an advocate, it's crucial to invest time in understanding that individual—their values, strengths, and areas that may need development. This process is about building trust and respecting personal boundaries, while also encouraging exploration of new engagement skills.  Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about ensuring that people feel empowered to do so. That’s why communication skills are critical. As Joshi concluded, “This is the time to double our communication skills, why not start today?” 

Looking ahead

Navigating uncertainty can be exhausting, but investing in community relationships, strengthening storytelling skills, and supporting advocates are key to driving change. The insights gained from CSPI’s convening will directly inform our work at SFC as we continue to expand Double Up Food Bucks Texas and deepen connections with farmers, market managers, and the people who rely on our programs.

The convening reinforced that resilient communities are built on relationships, and those relationships grow stronger through advocacy and storytelling. Finding joy in my everyday tasks keeps me going, and finding support in others who experience similar challenges gives me the opportunity to see a bright future.