The Bronx is the birthplace of hip hop music, home to the New York Yankees and the borough with the highest childhood obesity rate in New York City. In the last decade, the Bronx has undergone a major economic revival, yet many residents still face high rates of diet-related illnesses that threaten their livelihood and quality of life. 

Bronx health statistics are alarming: In addition to the staggering obesity rates, diabetes is on the rise and, paradoxically, some Bronx neighborhoods are suffering from the highest hunger rates in the nation.  Health experts have identified many parts of the Bronx as "food deserts" due to the lack of access to healthy, affordable food choices as well as the proliferation of fast food restaurants and bodegas that offer unhealthy, highly-processed foods. As a result, our health is paying the ultimate price.

Most recently, the Bronx was reported to have the absolute lowest ranking in the state of New York in a 2010 study of 23 health indicators.

Click here to see the 2010 NY County Health Ratings.

Something must be done.

The Bronx residents have the power to create change.  We aim to provide the forum for where that change begins. 
Join us on May 1, 2010 at the first ever Bronx Food Summit to learn more about how together we work for a healthier Bronx.

This event is FREE and families and children are welcome. A free healthy and sustainable lunch will be provided for all participants.

Space is LIMITED, so please register early.

Click here to register!

Bronx Food Summit Schedule:

9:00 - 10:00 am: Registration

10:00 - 11:30 am: Opening Ceremonies
Welcome
Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Hostos Community College President
Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President
Special Guest Remarks

Keynote Speaker
Majora Carter, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow

11:45 - 12:45 pm: Morning Workshop Sessions

12:45 - 02:15 pm: Lunch

2:30 - 03:30 pm: Afternoon Workshop Sessions

3:45 - 04:15 pm: Celebrity Panel Discussion: "Growing Up in the Bronx - Food, Health and Family”
Kurtis Blow
Melle Mel from the Furious 5
Popmaster Fabel from The Rock Steady Crew
Rosa Clemente, Journalist, Radio Host and 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate (Green Party)
Joe Conzo, Hip Hop Celebrity Photographer, Co-Contributor "The Bronx is Burning"
Byron Hurt, Documentary Filmmaker "Soul Food Junkie" and "Beyond Beats and Rhymes"
David Greco, "Godfather of Parmigiana" (Bronx's Little Italy)
Annie Novak, Co-Founder of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

04:30 - 05:00 pm: ReadNex Youth Squad poetry performance (Lunchroom)

Click here to read about the workshop sessions.