Honoring DeWarren Langley, Then Tackling Food Security

The board remembered DeWarren Langley’s legacy of youth civic leadership and challenged the community to carry it forward. Members then introduced a new early childhood coordinator and dug into a countywide food security effort amid federal cuts, highlighting rising need, planned community engagement, and a vision for long-term resilience. 9mins

Health Social Services Youth & Family Services
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Original Meeting

Monday, November 10th, 2025
11519.576
Full Meeting on Granicus
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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • Commissioner Mike Lee helped deliver a tribute recognizing Langley’s leadership and mentorship, honoring his legacy in youth civic engagement and the lasting impact on the community.
  • Commissioner Jacobs reflected on the profound community loss and urged carrying forward the mission and values advocated by DeWarren Langley.
  • Kevin McIver shared personal reflections on DeWarren Langley’s relentless commitment to improving the city for children and families, urging the community to continue fighting for young men as a living legacy of his work.
  • Donna Rewalt introduced Ileana Vink as the county's new Early Childhood Coordinator, outlining prior public health experience, nutrition expertise, and a data-driven focus aligned with county initiatives on early learning and food access.
  • Ileana Vink described first weeks in the Early Childhood Coordinator role, highlighting collaboration with Cooperative Extension, interactions with families, and coordination with peers focused on food security, trauma prevention, resilience, and community welcoming.
  • Chair Allam underscored the vital nature of Cooperative Extension’s work amid federal cuts, emphasizing its daily support for vulnerable residents and children across multiple county services.
  • Commissioner Jacobs urged a renewed commitment to infants, children, early childhood, and supporting families.
  • Donna Rewalt outlined the county’s food security assessment goals, highlighted ARPA-funded investments and existing strengths, and noted higher food insecurity rates among children and specific communities.
  • The food system assessment process will include detailing a steering committee with diverse stakeholders and extensive community engagement through listening sessions, interviews, storytelling, and community review of draft plans.
  • Commission Chair Nida Allam highlighted urgent food insecurity amid federal cuts, citing a local pantry serving 5,000 people in a week and stressing the vital need for continued services and support.
  • Commissioner Burton described observing limited, low-quality food options at a local discount store and linked affordability constraints to health disparities among residents.
  • Commissioner Jacobs envisioned a future where the community was self-sufficient in providing food for everyone, emphasizing resilience in the face of similar crises.
  • County Manager Claudia Hager reflected that recent uncertainty with SNAP had shifted perspectives and would alter the vision for the plan, emphasizing creating a sustainable environment to ensure food security.
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