New Haven committee forwards several candidates to revive Food Policy Council

The Board of Alders appointments committee on Tuesday moved several nominees to the city’s Food Policy Council after public testimony from people already working on local food distribution and community gardens.

The committee forwarded the nominations of Kate Anderson, Susan Harris, Jamila (Jamel) Rashid, Megan Wharton and Steven (Steve) Moreland to the full Board of Alders for confirmation. The committee vote was taken by voice and carried.

The nominees described hands‑on experience with community food efforts and said they want to help revive the council, which several speakers said has struggled to maintain membership. Megan Wharton, who identified herself as founder and garden coordinator of the Armory Community Garden, said the garden recently partnered with Fairhaven Community Health Clinic and “made our first donation of fresh organic produce” to the clinic’s food pharmacy. Wharton said rising cuts to federal funding and food pantry capacity will push more reliance on community gardens and farms.

Several applicants described practical work in neighborhood food distribution. Kay Anderson said she has “been working both here and previous to coming to New Haven in food justice work” and wants to improve distribution and availability of healthy food. Jamila Rashid, director of the New Haven City Enrichment Center (NICE Center), said she runs a food pantry near the South Hill police substation and has operated community gardens with Gather. Steven Moreland, who said he is executive director of Downtown Eating Soup Kitchen, said he would bring frontline experience to advising alder legislation.

Committee members asked nominees about meeting availability and operations. An applicant said the Food Policy Council meets once a month; another applicant (Susan Harris) recalled earlier meetings on Monday mornings. Wharton described the local garden growing season as roughly April through October and said she hopes to add a hoop house to extend production by two to three months. Applicants also discussed partnerships for distributing produce to patients with chronic conditions and providing printed guidance on food storage and preparation for community members.

Committee chair August Santana moved the group of nominations “favorably” to the full Board of Alders; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The roll call was not recorded in the transcript; an abstention was mentioned but not named.

If confirmed by the full Board, the new members would join a council that committee speakers said has sometimes lacked quorum and attendance. The full Board of Alders will consider confirmation at a later meeting.