Food Security Summit
communities. solutions. security.
JOIN US AT THE 2025 FOOD SECURITY SUMMIT
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
The Loft at Congdon Yards
Bringing Communities Together. Driving Solutions. Creating a Food-Secure Future.
Every year, the Greater High Point Food Alliance (GHPFA) hosts the Food Security Summit, which brings together community leaders, advocates, nonprofits, policymakers, and residents to discuss, collaborate, and innovate on food security solutions. This annual event serves as a catalyst for action, empowering individuals and organizations to build a more resilient and food-secure community.
WHAT TO EXPECT
ENGAGING KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Food security, public policy, and community development experts share insights on the latest challenges and solutions.
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PANEL DISCUSSIONS & WORKSHOPS
Interactive sessions focused on food systems, nutrition, urban agriculture, and policy advocacy.
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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Residents and community leaders share experiences, needs, and ideas to shape future food security efforts.
NETWORKING & COLLABORATION
A space to connect with local organizations, businesses, and policymakers committed to fighting hunger.
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RECOGNITION OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Honoring outstanding individuals and organizations through awards such as the Food Advocate of the Year and Rooted in the Community awards.
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
PATHWAYS TO CHANGE
“Rather than using a negative mindset that talks about hunger and food insecurity, now we are talking about food security and food justice. We know now that we have to frame the opportunities we all have to connect assets in our communities and improve life in our city through relationships.”
- Reverend Joe Blosser, Keynote Speaker
COMMUNITY AWARDS
ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY
Congratulations to our 2024 award recipients, Helping Hands & High Point University AmeriCorps VISTA Program!
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Awarded to an organization, nonprofit, government agency, or business that, through creative solutions, has led to the development of innovative solutions to food insecurity, resulting in sustainable community impact.
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This year, we had an equal number of nominations for the "Rooted in Community Award." How wonderful it is for the City of High Point to have multiple organizations exemplify the standards set for this award! The nominations said such great things that matched the equally outstanding work done by these organizations that we couldn't choose one. Recognizing Helping Hands and High Point University AmeriCorps VISTA Program was an honor.
​JERRY MINGO FOOD SECURITY ADVOCATE
Congratulations to our 2024 award recipient, Matt Thiel!
Awarded to the individual who has been a leader in advocating for those struggling with food insecurity, who has been proactive in addressing food insecurity, and who has been a catalyst for change and sustainability.
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The 2024 Food Security Summit marks the first year that the Food Security Advocate Award, now known as the Jerry Mingo Food Security Advocate Award, has been presented under its new name.
Jerry Mingo, President of the Burns Hill Neighborhood Association, was one of the founding board members of the Greater High Point Food Alliance. Under Jerry’s leadership, the Burns Hill Neighborhood Association started the Burns Hill Food Pantry and community garden. The pantry is meeting the neighborhood's needs, and the community garden has become its center.
In 2016, Jerry was named the Food Security Advocate of the Year because of his work for Burns Hill and the whole city. Jerry cares deeply about his community and the city he loves. Because of his love for our city, we have chosen to honor him with his name on this award going forward. His work and dedication to our community will always be remembered.​
​CARL W. VIERLING GROUNDBREAKER AWARD
Congratulations to our Inaugural Groundbreaker Award recipient Carl Vierling, founder of the Greater High Point Food Alliance.
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The Inaugural Groundbreaker Award was presented to GHPFA Founder Carl W. Vierling in recognition of his uncommon vision and innovative approach to addressing food security issues and the resulting broad-reaching impact on the greater High Point community, Guilford County, and beyond. Moving forward, the award will be named for its first recipient.
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The Carl W. Vierling Groundbreaker Award will be presented to individuals and/or organizations who, like its namesake, demonstrate uncommon vision, innovation, and impact toward ensuring food security for everyone in the Greater High Point and Guilford County areas. This award will not necessarily be awarded annually.
About the Awards
These awards are given to individuals who work or live in the Greater High Point area which includes Archdale, High Point, Jamestown, Trinity and the areas around these communities.
Below you will find a list of past award winners for each of the following: Jerry Mingo Food Security Advocate, Rooted in Community Award, and the first Carl W Vierling Groundbreaker Award.
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Jerry Mingo Food Security Advocate Award: Awarded to the individual who has been a leader in advocating for those struggling with food insecurity, who has been proactive in addressing food insecurity, and who has been a catalyst for change and sustainability.
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Rooted In Community Award: Awarded to an organization, nonprofit, government agency, or business that through creative solutions has led to the development of innovative solutions to food insecurity resulting in sustainable community impact.
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The Carl W. Vierling Groundbreaker Award: Presented to individuals and/or organizations who, like its namesake, demonstrate uncommon vision, innovation and impact toward ensuring food security for everyone in the Greater High Point and Guilford County areas. This award will not necessarily be awarded annually.
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Past Award Winners
Year | Jerry Mingo Food Security Advocate | Rooted in Community | Carl W Vierling Groundbreaker |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Matt Thiel | Helping Hands; HPU Americorps VISTA Program | Carl Vierling - Inaugural Groundbreaker Award |
2023 | Milton Roundtree | A Simple Gesture | |
2022 | Sherman Marshall | High Point Community Development | |
2020 | Latoya Bullock, Emily McCollum | YWCA of High Point | |
2019 | Rev. Deon Sanders | Life on Lexington | |
2018 | Bobby Smith | High Point Public Library | |
2017 | Patrick Harman | From the Ground Up (predecessor to Growing High Point) | |
2016 | Jerry Mingo | ||
2015 | Carl Vierling |