Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, Inc.

### Context Profile for Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, Inc.

#### 1. Organization Mission & Cause
The Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, Inc. (SOFSA) is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and equitable food system in the Syracuse and Onondaga County region. Their mission emphasizes the importance of local food systems, community engagement, and food justice. They aim to connect diverse populations to their food sources, promote healthy eating, and support local farmers and food producers. The organization believes that food is a vital part of community identity and culture, and they work to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.

#### 2. Type of Activities
SOFSA engages in a variety of activities, including:
- **Community Workshops**: Such as the "Poetry and Storytelling with Food" event aimed at youth, which encourages participants to explore their relationship with food through creative expression.
- **Food Justice Gatherings**: Annual events that celebrate food culture and address food justice issues.
- **Zine Projects**: Community-driven publications that showcase stories, art, and poetry related to food experiences in the region.
- **Urban Garden Tours**: Initiatives that promote local gardening and sustainable practices.
- **Fundraising Campaigns**: Efforts to support their programs and initiatives through community donations and grants.

#### 3. Tone of Voice
The tone of voice used by SOFSA is friendly, inclusive, and inspiring. Their communications aim to engage the community and encourage participation, often using approachable language that resonates with diverse audiences. The organization emphasizes collaboration and community spirit, making their messaging feel warm and welcoming.

#### 4. Emoji Usage
The website and communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains professional and straightforward, focusing on clear messaging rather than playful or casual elements that emojis might convey.

#### 5. Key Facts
- **Founding Information**: Specific founding details were not provided on the website, but the organization has established itself as a key player in the local food system.
- **Scale**: SOFSA has conducted 48 total forms and 17 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with the community.
- **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics were not detailed, their focus on community engagement and food justice suggests a commitment to measurable outcomes in these areas.
- **Volunteer Information**: The website encourages community involvement, though specific volunteer opportunities or metrics were not highlighted.

#### 6. Writing Guidelines
- **Clarity and Accessibility**: Use clear and straightforward language that is accessible to a wide audience.
- **Community Focus**: Emphasize community engagement and inclusivity in all communications.
- **Inspirational Messaging**: Incorporate elements that inspire action and participation, reflecting the organization’s mission of food justice and sustainability.
- **Professionalism**: Maintain a professional tone while being friendly and inviting, avoiding overly casual language or slang.

This context profile should guide the creation of personalized and effective content for the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, ensuring alignment with their mission, values, and community-oriented approach.

LXCL:I am attending on behalf of an organization or institution that is covering my ticket cost AND/OR I live outside of Central New York.

Ally Ticket

LXCL:I can comfortably meet my basic needs and have relative financial freedom. (Available for CNY residents paying their own way.)

Sustainer Ticket

LXCL:I can meet my basic needs if I budget carefully. (Available for CNY residents paying their own way.)

Community Ticket

LXCL:I live on a fixed income but have support to meet my basic needs most of the time. (Available for CNY residents paying their own way.)

Supported Ticket

LXCL:I face financial hardship. I struggle to meet basic needs, qualify for government assistance, and/or lack reliable transportation. This option also for any Indigenous person who wishes to use it.

Solidarity Ticket

SOFSA&#39;s Food Justice Gathering is our annual convening of farmers, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, and grassroots organizers from Central New York and beyond who are committed to remaking our regional food system into one that works for us all. The Gathering focuses specifically on the food justice and food sovereignty work being done that addresses inequities in our food system that harm marginalized communities and our natural environment.&nbsp; By offering multiple formats of connection and discussion, we aim to create an atmosphere of transformative learning and radical inclusion. A detailed schedule of the day can be found here: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://syrfoodalliance.org/FJG2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">3rd Annual Food Justice Gathering</a>. This year&#39;s theme is interwoven. Inspired by our keynote speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer&rsquo;s book, The Serviceberry, our theme aims to explore how our food system can be rooted in acts of solidarity and collective flourishing.&nbsp;

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for registering for 3rd Annual SOFSA&rsquo;s Food Justice Gathering! We&rsquo;re excited to have you join us as we come together to learn, connect, and build toward a more just food system. You&rsquo;ll receive more details soon &mdash; including the full schedule and what to expect &mdash; but for now, we&rsquo;re just glad you&rsquo;ll be there. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact our team at&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@syrfoodalliance.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">info@syrfoodalliance.org</a> or 315-552-0470. With gratitude and in solidarity,The SOFSA Teamwww.syrfoodalliance.org

SOFSA's Food Justice Gathering is our annual convening of farmers, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, and grassroots organizers from Central New York and beyond who are committed to remaking our regional food system into one that works for us all. The Gathering focuses specifically on the food justice and food sovereignty work being done that addresses inequities in our food system that harm marginalized communities and our natural environment.  By offering multiple formats of connection and discussion, we aim to create an atmosphere of transformative learning and radical inclusion. A detailed schedule of the day can be found here: <a href="https://syrfoodalliance.org/FJG2025/" target="_blank">3rd Annual Food Justice Gathering</a>. This year's theme is interwoven. Inspired by our keynote speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, The Serviceberry, our theme aims to explore how our food system can be rooted in acts of solidarity and collective flourishing.

Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, Inc.

3rd Annual Food Justice Gathering

Art & Home Center