Sadaf Knight, chief executive officer of Florida Policy Institute
Interviewed by Joey Hentzler, program manager at MAZON
What is your connection to MAZON?
Florida Policy Institute (FPI) was fortunate to become a MAZON grantee in 2022 through the Emerging Advocacy Fund. In the three years since, we have considered MAZON more than just a funder – MAZON, and Joey Hentzler, have also become a supportive partner and friend of FPI.
Please share broadly how Florida Policy Institute works to end food insecurity and advance economic and social justice in your state.
Economic and social justice is embedded in all of FPI’s work, internally and externally. Our mission is to advance state policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians. Our vision is that of a state where every Floridian has an equal opportunity to thrive; a state where everyone has equitable access to health care, education, housing and jobs with no barriers based on race or ethnicity.
Addressing the woefully inadequate safety net and meeting Floridians’ basic needs is a core component of achieving this vision. We do this by publishing timely and accessible research on key safety net programs, with a focus on alleviating hunger and food insecurity; developing policy solutions to protect and improve these programs; and advocating alongside our partners to enact policy change at the state and federal level.
How does MAZON’s grant making and the EAF program support FPI to achieve in the last three years?
Through the MAZON Emerging Advocacy Fund, FPI was able to support the development of our Safety Net Advocacy Coalition (SNAC), publish timely and accurate analysis, and continue to build on our reputation as a trusted thought leader on anti-hunger and safety net policies.
Over the past three years, this work has enabled us to successfully mobilize a diverse array of partners from across the state to advocate for policies such as Pandemic EBT and Summer EBT, along with building momentum toward removing harmful policies such as the lifetime ban on SNAP and TANF for people convicted of drug trafficking and the expansion of work requirements.
We have been able to elevate issues in the public dialogue, with policymakers, and the media to highlight the important role of safety net programs for individuals, families, and our economy as a whole. FPI also launched The Florida Timeline, a policy history project that illustrates the legacy of harmful policies enacted throughout our state’s history, as well as our deep roots of resistance and resilience. Our food security timeline was published in 2024.
What has MAZON’s EAF network and program helped to achieve in Florida’s advocacy landscape more broadly?
MAZON has helped build connections in the Florida advocacy landscape, particularly as we look to long-term collaboration to achieve our shared goals. This is critical because we know that change will take a persistent effort built on trusting relationships across many partner organizations across Florida. MAZON has helped to lay the foundation for a long-term, collaborative, and sustained effort by FPI and our partners.
What makes MAZON a unique partner?
MAZON is a unique partner because, as a funder, it embodies the idea of trust-based philanthropy. MAZON’s approach to grant making in a state like Florida – where the challenges are formidable – recognizes that there is expertise and capacity that already exists, and that funders can serve as partners as we pursue systemic change over the long term. In their role as a funder and partner, MAZON has been very helpful in making connections with other partners in our state and across the country and serving as a thought partner in our work.
What are your hopes for MAZON in the next 40 years?
I hope that MAZON continues to be a steadfast supporter of organizations across our country working to end food insecurity and hunger. In 40 years, I hope that our collaborative efforts have made a real difference in the lives of people everywhere – and that we can turn our attention to ensuring that people not only are making ends meet but are also thriving and living lives unfettered by economic hardship and inequity. I hope that in this vision of the future, MAZON is there as a partner as we create new and innovative investments in families and communities.
Most importantly, what are you bringing to MAZON’s 40th Birthday Party? (e.g. a ticket to a tiki boat cruise in Tampa Bay)
Annual passes for Gatorland, a true Florida experience. The “Alligator Capital of the World” opened in 1949, making it central Florida’s first major attraction!