Join us for a transformative day exploring innovative solutions in food recovery, sustainability, and systems change. Connect with leaders, practitioners, and changemakers committed to building equitable food systems from farm to fork.
Morning Program: Opening & Panel Discussion
1
8:30 - 9:15 AM
Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
Start your day with refreshments and connect with fellow attendees in a welcoming atmosphere.
2
9:15 - 9:30 AM
Land Acknowledgement
Christy Loera, Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe, honors the indigenous peoples and traditional lands.
3
9:30 - 9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
Amy Rowat, Faculty Director and UCLA Professor, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, welcomes attendees.
4
9:40 - 9:50 AM
Introduction & Data Gathering Overview
Erica Lee, Assistant Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, frames the day's objectives.
10:00 - 10:45 AM: Systems in Balance Panel
Reducing Food Loss from Farm to Fork
Moderator
Ana-Alicia Carr, Director of Policy & Coalitions, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Expert Panelists
Lisa Johnson, US Department of Agriculture, SARE program
Florence Simpson, Deputy Director, Food Services, Los Angeles Unified School District
Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Leanpath
Larry Bethea, Executive Che7f of Community Affairs, Children's Hospital Los Angeles
11:00 - 11:45 AM | Choose one concurrent session to attend
Harvesting Solutions
Location: Hershey Hall South Courtyard
Integrating Agriculture into Food Recovery Systems
Presenters: Lisa Johnson, US Department of Agriculture, SARE program; Kristen Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Food Forward
Explore how agricultural practices can be optimized to reduce waste and support food recovery networks from the source.
From Policy to Practice
Location: Hershey Hall Salon
The Evolution of Food Recovery
Presenters: Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Leanpath; Cara Morgan, Deputy Director, Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance, CalRecycle
Discover how policy frameworks translate into actionable food recovery programs and what the future holds.
Innovative Food Hub Models
Location: Hershey Hall Inner Courtyard
Exploring New Distribution Approaches
Moderators: Nina Angelo, Community Exchange Manager, Hollywood Food Coalition; Nancy Beyda, Director, FoodCycle
Engage in collaborative discussion about creative food hub models that strengthen community food access.
Midday Sessions: Data, Lunch & Vision
01
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Using Local Food Systems Data to Address Food Surplus and Food Needs
Dr. Kayla de la Haye, USC Associate Professor of Psychology and Spatial Sciences, presents cutting-edge research on leveraging data analytics to match food surplus with community needs. Learn how spatial analysis and behavioral psychology intersect to create more effective food distribution networks.
02
12:45 - 1:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
Enjoy a delicious meal while continuing conversations with fellow attendees. This is your opportunity to forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and build the collaborative networks that drive food systems change.
03
1:45 - 2:15 PM
Stronger Together: Partnerships Power Food Systems Change
Paula Daniels, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Food Systems, shares inspiring examples of how cross-sector partnerships create lasting impact and transform food access across communities.
04
2:15 - 2:45 PM
Determining Our Shared Vision: Good Food for All Agenda
Alba Velazquez, Executive Director of Los Angeles Food Policy Council, leads an interactive session defining a collective vision for equitable food systems that serve all community members.
Afternoon Working Groups & Panels
Dive deeper into specialized topics through focused collaboration
3:00 - 3:45 PM: Working Groups
Institutional Food Waste Working Group
Location: Hershey Hall Salon
Facilitator: Deja Thomas, Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Community Initiatives, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Explore comprehensive strategies for reducing food waste within large institutions including schools, hospitals, and universities. Discuss measurement tools, staff training approaches, and innovative composting solutions. Share best practices and identify collaborative opportunities across institutional sectors.
Urban Agriculture Working Group
Location: Hershey Hall South Courtyard
Facilitator: Valeria Velazquez, Director, Programs & Innovation, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Join a dynamic discussion on urban farming's role in sustainable food systems and community food access. Examine zoning challenges, water conservation techniques, and economic viability models. Explore how urban agriculture can bridge food deserts and create green jobs in underserved neighborhoods.
Los Angeles Food Recovery Alliance
Location: Hershey Hall Inner Courtyard
Facilitator: Tonya McClendon, Associate, Strategic Partnerships, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Collaborate on building stronger alliances to enhance food recovery efforts and community resilience. Develop networks connecting food donors with distribution partners. Address liability concerns, transportation logistics, and volunteer coordination strategies.
Late Afternoon Sessions
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Funding the Future Panel
Cara Morgan, Deputy Director, Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance, CalRecycle, and Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Leanpath, discuss emerging funding opportunities, grant strategies, and innovative financing models for food recovery initiatives.
4:30 - 5:00 PM
A Multispecies Paradigm-Shift in Our Food Relationships
Dr. Vetri Nathan, UCLA Associate Professor, presents a thought-provoking exploration of how reimagining our relationships with other species can transform food systems toward greater sustainability and ecological harmony.
Alternate 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Grantwriting Essentials for Small Organizations
Join Cheryl Trinidad, an experienced grant specialist, for a concise yet powerful session designed to demystify the grant-seeking process for small organizations. Learn foundational strategies, essential components of a winning proposal, and key resources to effectively secure funding and amplify your impact. This session provides a strategic overview to help you get started on your grant writing journey.
Evening Networking & Celebration
1
5:00 - 6:00 PM
From Surplus to Solutions
Facilitated by Erica Lee, Assistant Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
Participate in structured networking activities designed to connect organizations with complementary needs and resources. Identify potential partnerships, share challenges, and brainstorm collaborative solutions in small group discussions.
2
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Upcycled Happy Hour
Location: UCLA Hershey Hall Garden Terrace
Celebrate the day's insights while enjoying the culinary creativity of upcycled cuisine. Experience firsthand how rescued food ingredients transform into delicious signature cocktails and innovative appetizers, demonstrating the vast potential of food waste reduction.
End Your Day on a High Note
Join industry leaders, sustainability experts, and fellow changemakers for an evening that showcases the delicious possibilities of reducing food waste. Network, celebrate, and be inspired by what we can achieve together when we reimagine our food systems from surplus to solutions.
We look forward to seeing you throughout this transformative day of learning, collaboration, and celebration. Together, we're building food systems that nourish communities, honor the planet, and create lasting positive change.