By: Pamela Honey

Continuing the Conversation at Far Rockaway’s Second Food System Breakfast

Our second Food Systems Networking Breakfast brought together representatives from 14 organizations for a focused discussion on public-private partnerships as an approach to addressing food insecurity across the Far Rockaway peninsula. The series brings together participants from schools, community groups, government offices, and local partners to share their on-the-ground perspectives and collectively envision stronger, community-centered food support.

Setting the Stage

After informal networking over breakfast, TFFJ CEO Meghan Groome set the shared purpose for the morning: strengthening Far Rockaway’s food system through public–private partnerships. The central question of the day: What does it take to build partnerships that truly support communities and multiply impact rather than add burden or complexity?

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers opened with remarks that grounded the room in urgency, speaking about national SNAP threats and the daily reality families are facing. “As recently as 2023, 1 in 5 Rockaway residents, […] 18 percent, face food insecurity,” she said. She also highlighted the value of youth-led food work, explaining that “kids growing food, not just to learn how to grow food, but also to learn how to share food in community, is really big.” She closed by reminding everyone, “If my neighbor is hungry, then we all are hungry.”

Leadership Perspectives

Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson spoke next about the need for readiness throughout the year. He said, “We shouldn’t wait for crisis to come. We should be actively preparing for the same.” He also pointed to the [TFFJ] hydroponic farm being built at Goldie Maple Academy as an investment in both learning and food access. “I’m grateful for the future expansions,” he added, calling it an example of community-rooted solutions that last.

Small-Group Conversations

From there, the work shifted to collaborative and practical problem-solving.  Participants broke into three mixed-sector groups. Each group included educators, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and local partners. 

The discussions focused on four guiding questions:

• What does building public–private partnerships for food systems look like within your organization?
• What is the value of these partnerships for the organizations involved and for the food system overall?
• For those new to this space, what needs to be in place before a partnership can take root?
• How can we make sure partnerships add value for communities instead of adding burden or confusion?

These questions helped people dig into real experiences, naming where partnerships are working well, where resources are stretched thin, and where better coordination could reduce gaps. Many emphasized that strong partnerships must start with existing community networks and build from there.

In closing reflections, participants shared what they had discussed, including opportunities for deeper collaboration and better alignment across sectors, pointing to the shared belief that lasting food access solutions grow from community-led ideas supported by steady, cross-sector relationships.❦

Pamela Honey is the Communications & Content Coordinator at Teens For Food Justice.