Come to the Table 2019 Conference
Called to Action: Uprooting Hunger and Cultivating Justice
The seventh convening of the biennial Come to the Table Conference took place on March 12-13, 2019 in Charlotte, NC. Nearly 500 people registered the 2019 Conference, collectively participating in keynotes by Dr. Monica White and Dr. Eric Holt-Giménez, 55 workshops in 12 tracks by 139 speakers, and networking opportunities over the course of 2 days at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
Participants examined the root causes of hunger and left energized to go back to their communities with knowledge, skills, and connections to challenge the systemic nature of hunger and build a more just food system.
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Watch the keynotes:
When we asked attendees about actions they would take as a result of attending the conference, the most common response was to incorporate a justice lens into their current work. Others mentioned following up on connections made at the conference, and increasing shared decision-making with their community within their work.
Workshops, networking, and the keynotes by Dr. Monica White and Dr. Eric Holt-Gimenez were the top three aspects of the conference that people listed as their favorites. As well as naming specific workshops, attendees most appreciated new knowledge and practical tools to apply in their organizations and communities. When asked what they would like to see more of at the next conference, attendees requested more time for networking and facilitated networking. Attendees were also inspired by and want more engagement from college students and youth participants and speakers. Click here to read the full evaluation of the conference.
Conference workshop tracks included:
- Addressing Hunger – This track explored four different strategies to address and alleviate hunger in food insecure communities.
- Community Agriculture – This track examined how community gardens and farms can serve as spaces for building capacity, relationships, and access.
- Economic and Labor Justice – This track revealed some of the ways labor and economic policies create economic, health, and human rights inequities that can lead to hunger.
- Environmental Justice – This track explored how community members are addressing issues of environmental justice within their communities.
- Faith, Food, and Justice – Learn how theology is shaping the way faith communities are addressing the immediate needs of hunger while challenging its systemic causes.
- Food Policy Advocacy – strong Participants heard from speakers taking grassroots action on food issues and gained skills for how they can do the same.
- Healing and Wellness – This track examined how we can personally and collectively heal and stay well while working for justice.
- Movement Building – Participants engaged in conversation around how to build community momentum, power, and collaboration to address shared challenges.
- Racial Equity – Topics examined the historical and contemporary role of racism in food systems and ideas for change.
- Resources for Farmers – An informative track for farmers discussing resources and programs for their business.
- Working Together in Community – Tools and strategies that create opportunities for communities to actively engage in the development of solutions regarding hunger or social issues.
- Youth-Led Change – Participants heard the stories of youth who are working towards a just and sustainable food system.
Download the conference program
Click here to read workshop descriptions, speaker bios, and more from the 2019 Conference.
Learn more about the 2017, 2015, and 2013 conferences here.