news article
Fighting for food justice: A Methodist call to action
February 11, 2025 / By Deaconess Susan Silhan, Healing and Wholeness Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past Sunday on February 9, 2025, Home Missioner Robert Pessolissi, Director of the Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN), shared a powerful message “Holiness and Wholeness: Looking at Public Health through a Methodist Lens” at Odessa-Catharine UMC in the Mountain View District.
Bob is a native of Syracuse but resides in Poughkeepsie and is commissioned to the IPHN in the New York Conference. His message reminded those in attendance of John Wesley’s deep commitment to health, well-being, social justice, and education—a legacy that calls all United Methodists to continue advocating for healthier communities.
Food Justice and Legislative Action
Bob has been actively working to promote food safety and nutrition standards in New York, supporting legislation to protect families from harmful food additives, and to improve nutritional quality in restaurant kids’ meals. These efforts, endorsed through resolutions at the 2024 New York Conference, include:
- PETITION 2024 AC #203: Protecting New Yorkers from Harmful Chemical Additives in Food
- PETITION 2024 AC #204: Requiring Better Nutrition Standards for Restaurant Kids’ Meals
These initiatives align with the United Methodist commitment to social justice and caring for the most vulnerable, especially children.
Taking Action for Food Justice in Our Communities
Bob also shared practical steps United Methodists can take to address food justice within our local communities, ensuring that everyone—regardless of income—has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
- Advocate for policy change – Support local and state legislation that promotes food safety and equitable access to healthy food.
- Partner with local organizations – Work with food banks, schools, and community gardens to ensure fresh food reaches those in need.
- Educate and raise awareness – Host forums and discussions in churches and community centers about food justice and health equity.
- Model healthy eating in our churches – Serve nutritious meals at events and encourage faith-based wellness initiatives.
Continuing the Conversation
Following the presentation, United Women in Faith hosted a nourishing, healthy lunch, giving participants an opportunity to engage in deeper discussions with Bob. Many left inspired and ready to take action.
To learn more, there will be an online presentation titled "Creating Healthy Community Food Environments for Children in New York State" later this month on February 20, 10– 11 a.m. Special guest includes Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Health. For registration details, contact Kelly Moltzen at kelly@iphnetwork.org.
As United Methodists, we are called to be stewards of health and justice in our communities. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has access to safe, nutritious food—because food justice is social justice!
Bob is available to speak and share his message with congregations across Upper New York. He can be reached at rsp@iphnetwork.org.