Please purchase tickets in advance by Sunday, Jan. 25, at 6:00pm, here.
The temporary interruption of the SNAP program brought into focus that for many folks in our community the cupboards were bare without the help of food banks, whose resources were already strained. Why in the richest country of the world do families struggle to put food on the table? Who are these populations and what are we doing to help them?
The people on our panel serve families, seniors and children who are food insecure and will discuss this work from several perspectives.
Speakers:
- Stephanie Sisson, Outreach Coordinator, Bellingham Food Bank
- Chris Orr, Executive Director, Council on Aging
- Lindsey Ahrens, Director of Food Operations, and Isabel Meaker, Executive Director, Family Engagement, Bellingham School District
Biographies:
Whatcom Council on Aging Executive Director, Chris Orr, has served seniors in Whatcom County since April 2019. He is inspired by older adults who stay active and engaged and is passionate about the impact of nutrition and connection on health and wellness. A native of Anacortes and a graduate of the University of Washington, Chris and his family spent 26 years in Charlotte, North Carolina before returning home to the Pacific Northwest. Chris’ whole career has been in non-profit leadership and development, including 19 years with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, where he served as Executive Director of multiple branches. He is married with two adult children and enjoys many hobbies and activities, including playing the fiddle, coaching youth soccer, and agate hunting.
As the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at Bellingham Food Bank, Stephanie Sisson is passionate about building greater food security and economic resiliency in Whatcom County. She has lived experience with hunger in both urban and rural economies with a nuanced understanding of each. Her work in food banks started at the age of 13 and was soon accompanied by work in the restaurant industry, communications research, community advocacy, and sales administration. She is a graduate of Western Washington University and hailed from many places including Page AZ, Federal Way WA, and Orting WA before she found a home here in Bellingham. You may find her drumming, climbing, and kayaking with friends or walking in the rain with a cup of strong coffee.
Isabel Meaker is the executive director of family engagement with Bellingham Public Schools. Her work leading the family engagement team includes providing support to families and students in the areas of communication, translation, and cultural competency. Isabel first started with the district in 2009 as an AmeriCorps volunteer working as a diversity specialist with Woodring College of Education. She is originally from the Dominican Republic.
Lindsay Ahrens is the director of food services for Bellingham Public Schools and has been a part of the food services leadership team for five years. Food Services is responsible for providing nutritious and affordable meals and promoting nutrition education for students at 23 locations in the district. Lindsay’s resume includes personnel and administrative management. She is also a published cookbook author and recipe developer, culinary guest speaker, and cooking instructor.