All are invited to attend the Whatcom Food Network’s Fall Forum on November 17th for a presentation about the Center for Good Food Purchasing, a national organization spearheading powerful initiatives for food system transformation through values-based food procurement.
The Whatcom Food Network is composed of the various agencies, organizations, and stakeholders working to strengthen our local and regional food system. The Food Network hosts two forums every year to increase communication, coordination, and collaboration among these diverse groups, and to increase awareness of work being done to create a sustainable, just, and healthy food system.
On November 17th, Colleen McKinney, Associate Director of the Center for Good Food Purchasing, will be presenting on the power of food procurement and potential impacts of values-based purchasing. The Center was instrumental in developing policy that transformed how the entire Los Angeles School District bought and served food. Every student now has access to fresh, healthy, locally-sourced food prepared in well-balanced meals. The policy, which directs millions of dollars of school food purchasing, is built around five overarching values: local economies, environmental sustainability, fair labor, animal welfare, and healthy food. Colleen McKinney will be sharing the history and impacts of the Center’s policy work, and how it is being adopted by diverse communities around the country.
In addition to discussing institutional purchasing, the Fall Forum also will feature a session by Mark Peterson, local waste industry expert at Sustainable Connections. He will speak about the challenges and opportunities currently surrounding organic food waste in Whatcom county and moving toward the goal of eliminating food waste. There will also be time for participants to network and lead, or participate in, relevant discussions on varying local food system topics. The Fall Forum is free, but attendees must RSVP as space is limited.
What: Whatcom Food Network Fall Forum
When: Thursday, November 17, 1pm-5pm
Where: The Garden Room, Whatcom County Public Works Building, 322 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham
To RSVP & for more information: Visit whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/foodnetwork or call 360-647-7093.