Food Security Summit award winners named

The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 1—HIGH POINT — The Greater High Point Food Alliance has announced this year's Food Security Summit Award winners.

Food Security Advocate Award recipients are Emily McCollum of the Weaver Foundation and Latoya Bullock of the United Way of Greater High Point, and YWCA High Point received the GHPFA's Rooted in the Community Award.

At the outset of the pandemic, McCollum connected Guilford County Schools with agencies such as the Greater High Point Food Alliance and the United Way of Greater High Point, said Kevin Walker of the Weaver Foundation

"Even prior to the pandemic, Emily was working tirelessly to address food security issues in our county," Walker said. "In particular, her focus on children's needs and developing relationships with those providers as well as leaders at Guilford County Schools proved beneficial when the pandemic struck. Emily has been coordinating the everchanging activities of the providers and school system since the pandemic began."

Bullock's work was described as a bridge between High Point and Guilford County for getting resources into the hands of local agencies and serving as an advocate for High Point.

Jane Liebscher, president of the United Way of Greater High Point, noted the world is full of passionate people who champion their causes to make a difference and of many efficient individuals who put their skills to work in many ways. Bullock possesses both of those skills, Liebscher said.

"Her passion for helping people in our community is unprecedented," Liebscher said. "She continually goes above and beyond to assist those in need."

Through her work as vice president of community impact at UWGHP, Bullock "works tirelessly to assist individuals seeking hope," Liebscher said. "Latoya's passion and professionalism are a blessing not only to our organization but to the entire community."

The nonprofit YWCA has been accessing more resources to meet the nutritional needs of children and their families, said Quina Weber-Shirk, an extension agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service.

"The YWCA is an incredible resource for community members in High Point, with a mission of 'eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,'" Weber-Shirk said. "Food security is an essential part of this mission, with their youth backpack program and Teaching Kitchen space to hold cooking and nutrition classes. When the pandemic forced the YWCA to close its doors this spring, staff continued to show up for community members through virtual and outdoor classes, education forums, online town halls, needs surveys and links to food resources in the greater High Point area (including the GHPFA)."