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Last month, one of our volunteers, Fanta Dorley, went to Washington, D.C. with Second Harvest Food Bank Director of Public Policy Jan Jones for a meeting organized by Feeding America. During this meeting members and advocates across the country met with lawmakers to champion policies that address hunger and food insecurity such as SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TEFAP (The Federal Emergency Food Assistance Program). Below are some questions we asked Fanta and her responses:
Why did you get involved in advocacy work? What inspired you to raise your voice about issues that matter to you?
Advocacy is about standing up for those who might not have a voice or creating a platform to help others be heard. It’s about amplifying the causes that matter and striving for progress. There are many people just making it through the struggle of each day that do not get the opportunity to voice their successes overcoming challenges. After I speak to a group using this voice, it is an absolute honor to have someone come up to me to say, "you said what I've always been thinking." It starts the real conversation and inspires me to continue speaking up.
What issues, challenges, and opportunities are most important to you right now?
There are many seniors that have retired and are still struggling. Can you imagine, giving 30-40 years of your life, retiring and getting denied for every government program? Your only saving grace is the non-profit organizations that provide services and items based on need and not unrealistic income limits. My passion is to make access to food and health a right and not a struggle.
How did you become connected with Second Harvest Food Bank?
I ran a food pantry for my church for 9 years. Second Harvest was instrumental in providing essential items for the households of our community. When they began a new effort in Greensboro, I jumped at the opportunity. I completed a community leadership class that Second Harvest put on in collaboration with another organization.
How did it feel when you got to go to D.C. and used your voice?
I really appreciated the opportunity and the guidance from Second Harvest. It was truly nonpartisan and focused solely on the given topics affecting the community as a whole. I felt honored and empowered that staff took the time to hear us out. I do realize that building a relationship with them is key, so you are not just a number flying through. I was able to learn a lot from other colleagues who attended.
What would you say to someone who is hesitant to advocate because they think their voice won’t make a difference?
Be the change you want to see. There is no way you can have the energy to open your mouth to complain but cannot simply express the needs of the community and be solution focused. Not using your voice is a silent agreement with wrongdoings that you do not want to be affiliated with.
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