Meet the 2025 Changemakers: Liz Accles

Read below to dive deeper into the lives, histories, and work of three of New York’s most impactful food justice advocates working for a more just and sustainable food system.

What challenges or resistance have you encountered in shifting public food procurement from lowest-cost to values-based models, and how are you navigating them?
Our biggest challenge has been that some of the largest producers and suppliers are resistant to any change at all. Our strength is our knowledgeable, deep, and cohesive coalition that represents every value area in the bill— local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, health and nutrition and animal welfare, along with overarching the values of racial equity and supply chain transparency. We are all focused on moving towards public food procurement that benefits people, animals, and the planet.

New York State is poised to implement universal free school meals in 2025. What groundwork still needs to be laid between now and then to ensure success?
As with any big policy change, implementation is key to maximizing success.  We need to ensure that the districts who are just now being included know what they need to do administratively and then to make sure that school communities across the entire state understand, promote and encourage students to participate in the program.

You’ve led transformative campaigns like Lunch 4 Learning and Healthy School Meals for All—what strategies have been most critical in turning bold ideas into statewide policy wins?
Focus, persistence, resilience when things don’t go the way you’d like. Flexibility and finding creative ways around barriers are essential. And working in partnership with other people and organizations with skills, knowledge, and political connections that are complementary to our own and build into a strong force for the change we are seeking.

You’ve worked across city, state, and federal levels—what’s one lesson about coalition-building you think more advocates need to hear?
I think some elements that are critical to successful coalition-building include having a clear and focused goal and sticking to it, thinking creatively about whom you bring to the table, and making sure that a range of experiences and voices are represented. When building and leading a coalition, it’s necessary to be highly collaborative while also providing clear direction and moving the group forward together. No one wants to be part of a coalition that is spinning in circles around decision-making and no one wants to be dictated to. There’s a fine balance.

Grew up: Brooklyn,  NY

City or town you call home: Maplewood, NJ

Background and education: My entire education was in New York City public institutions.  I spent kindergarten through 12th grade  in New York City public schools.  I’m a graduate of Brooklyn College and I attended the CUNY Graduate Center for two years.

One word to describe our food system: Exploitative

Food policy hero: Kathy Goldman

This morning’s breakfast: Veggie omelette

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite last meal on earth: I am not sure what the meal would be, but I know it would end with rainbow cookies.

What is your favorite food hangout: I have many— not one. What makes a place one of my favorite food hangouts is really good food and a warm and friendly environment.

Food policy and social media must-follows: FRAC, Civil Eats