Passionate policy advocates decipher food security and a farmland access bills, both up for a vote in CT this spring & let us know how and why to get involved. Guests include Reggy St. Fortcolin of Fridgeport and the Liberated Land Cooperative, Chelsea Gazillo of Working Lands Alliance and American Farmland Trust, and James Albis of Graff Public Solutions and a former State Representative for District 99.

We discuss the ins and outs of the legislative process plus Bills: SB 1418: An Act Reducing Barriers to Food Security & HB 5064 Is An Act Concerning An Option To Purchase Restricted Agricultural Lands at Agricultural Value which will create a larger land access program at the CT Department of Agriculture. For a simple language breakdown and details on how to get involved in the food security bill, check out this fab link tree - and for regular folk language of the farmland access bill check the Working Lands Alliance 2025 Priorities.

Go to www.thetableunderground.com for more info. 
We are happy to broadcast on WPKN community radio, 89.5fm in Bridgeport, CT

Welcome to the first episode of our 2025 re-launch of The Table Underground: stories of food, radical love and creative social justice! Our guests Cara Santino of CitySeed in New Haven, CT and Katrice Claudio of ReSET in Hartford share the skills and tools they use to support food business start-ups and give them a leg up on their delicious but challenging journeys.

A story short with Sandra and Miguel Pittman owners of Sandra's Next Generation Soul Food Restaurant in New Haven, CT. They share on their 32+ year journey as restaurateurs, being pillars in their community, and the family legacy they have fostered.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Ms. Kim, owner of the oldest Asian market in New Haven, CT where she's been running this neighborhood institution with her personal touch for cooking and community since 1985.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with husband and wife team Shilmat & Wub Tessema on serving up traditional Ethiopian food and culture at their restaurant since 1999 plus the 24/7 demands of the kitchen and raising a family of three now grown children.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com  - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Cositas Deliciosas owners Miguel Xicohtencatl & Cecilia Serrano - Speaking on their business and personal journey to establish this delicious Mexican fruit, juice, and take-out shop in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven, CT.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Elisha Hazel & Qulen Wright, owners of Caribbean Style Vegan restaurant in New Haven, CT. Sharing their passion for serving up life-giving Ital food with local ingredients, and learning the business ropes along the way.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com  - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

A story short with Francisco Mendez and Zenaida Muñoz on their experiences running their much loved food carts together with brother Carlos Mendez. They share on their evolution from cooks to cart owners, the Colombian style arepas they’re famous for, and what it’s like working out in the elements.

Story series sponsored by Yale School of the Environment. Photos, slideshow and links at www.thetableunderground.com  - Produced by Tagan Engel, Edited by Jon Oliver Music, Photographed by Maza Rey Photography

Digging into farm and food worker led organizing that’s, multi-sector, multi-racial and has the power to transform our food system by prioritizing people and the planet. With guest Navina Khanna. Episode hosted through the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale.

Reparations in practice with this emerging investment fund collectively led by Black food ecosystem experts. Guest Melanie Allen, Program Director for the fund speaks on their work to build transformative supports for Black farmers and food entrepreneurs. This interview was hosted through the Center for Business at Yale. For more info go to www.thetableunderground.com