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First ever national conference
Farm to Cafeteria: Healthy Farms, Healthy Students


October 4, 2002, 8am - 6pm
Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington

On-site registration is available at Seattle Center

Co-sponsors: Evergreen State College, USDA Agriculture Marketing Service, Bon Appetit, Chef's Collaborative, Baci Catering. With support from, Compton Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, USDA IFAFS, and USDA AMS.


SCHEDULE
Friday, October 4, 2002

8:00am Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:15-10:15am Plenary Panel
10:30am-12:00pm Workshop Session I
12:00pm-1:15pm Lunch
1:15pm-2:45pm Workshop Session II
3:00pm-4:30pm Workshop Session III
4:45pm-5:30pm Plenary: Where do we go from here?
Light refreshments will be served.
(Oct 5-7 6th annual CFSC conference)


AGENDA

Plenary (8:15 am)
A Bountiful Harvest: Reflections on the past decade of Farm to Cafeteria Projects


What changes have taken place in the Farm to Cafeteria movement in the last decade? What issues have galvanized farmers, student groups, food service staff and community activists? Perspectives from three veterans will give us a context in which to experience the rest of the day.

Jennifer Wilkins, Cornell University; Gary Valen, Glynwood Center; Ann Evans, California Department of Education; Michael Nash, Farmer, GROWN Locally Cooperative, Sunfllower Fields CSA

Workshop Session I (10:30-12:00)

  • Developing a Plan for your Farm to Cafeteria Project

    Like any other endeavor, farm to cafeteria projects can be greatly improved with forethought and planning. Researching initial baseline information and developing a business plan can be invaluable. Come hear how it's done !

    Janet Brown, Center for Ecoliteracy; Andrea Azuma, Cornell University

  • Nuts and Bolts of Farm to College projects

    Experienced with successful farm to college projects, these speakers offer options for small and large universities to purchase local and sustainable foods. Whether it is special dinners or composting projects, these veteran programs know how to make it work!

    Bob Volpi, Director of Dining Services, Williams College; Sara Tedeschi, University of Wisconsin

  • Educating Our Kids in the Classroom and on the Farm

    Farm to School projects have inspired wonderful curricula to teach kids about agriculture, eating seasonally, and developing healthy eating habits. Curricula for the classroom and on-the-farm will be covered.

    Lynn Walter, Cooking with Kids; Annie Main, Good Humus Farm; Sibella Kraus Sustainable Agriculture Education Program


  • Role of Students in organizing Farm to College Projects

    Critical players in the success of farm to college projects are students. Learn from their innovative experiences on how to engage students, food service, and farmers in building successful partnerships.

    Heather House, Slippery Rock University, PA; Janet Hammer, Portland State University
Workshop Session II (1:15-2:45)
  • Policy Implications for Farm to Cafeteria Projects

    Legislation affecting farm to cafeteria projects is appearing at both the state and federal levels. Hear about the latest initiatives and how they affect local organizing efforts.

    Thomas Forster, CFSC; Mark Vallianatos, Occidental College

  • Farm to Cafeteria Marketing from the Producer Perspective

    This session will explore marketing opportunities and provide recommendations for successfully marketing locally grown farm products to schools and colleges. The role of cooperative marketing/distribution strategies will also be explored.

    Debra Tropp, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service; James Mansfield, KY Department of Agriculture Don Bustos, Farmer and President, NM Farmers' Market Association; Michael Nash, Farmer, GROWN Locally Cooperative, Sunflower Fields CSA

  • Farm to College Projects in the Northwest

    A small self-managed college food service and a contract-managed food service compare notes and offer guidance on building farm to college projects in the Northwestern United States.

    Pete Soucy, Food Service Manager, Bastyr University; Rusty Hopewell, Alumnus, Bastyr University; Jennifer Hall, Bon Appetit, Evergreen State College;
Workshop Session III (3:00-4:30)
  • College Campaigns and Curricula

    Educational campaigns and college curriculum increase students' understanding of the benefits of local food systems. This complement to food service's efforts can lead to a more secure and long-term farm to college project.

    Joani Walsh, FoodRoutes Network; Pat Moore, Evergreen State College


  • Nuts and Bolts of Organizing Farm to School Projects

    There is no blueprint for organizing farm to school projects. These on-the-ground project organizers will share their insights on what steps to take, who to include, and the challenges they've encountered.

    Sara Tedeschi, The College Food Project, Univ. of WI; Rochelle Davis, Generation Green

  • Institutional Buying and Models

    How can colleges, hospitals, hotels, and other institutions work together to develop a local food system in their community? Hear in-depth details of the advantages and challenges of working with institutions.

    Rich Pirog, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Kelly Erwin, MA Dept. of Food and Agriculture; Kelli Sanger and Leslie Zenz, WA State Dept. of Agriculture

Plenary (4:45-5:30)
A Long Row to Hoe: Strategies for the Next Decade


As Farm to Cafeteria programs develop nationwidewhat are our organizing strategies on a national level? CFSC co-founder Bob Gottlieb will lead this discussion on possible next steps for future development of the Farm to Cafeteria movement. (Refreshments will be served.)

Bob Gottlieb, Occidental College


LOGISTICS

Food
Meals will showcase food from the Pacific Northwest region. Many food items have been procured directly from local farmers and fishermen.

What's Included:
   - Farm to Cafeteria conference: Continental breakfast, lunch, and a light reception

Accommodations
Rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Seattle Center, 211 Dexter Ave North for $89-99. The Holiday Inn is a 15 minute walk from the meeting at the Seattle Center. Rates good until September 4th. 206-728-8123, or 1-800-HOLIDAY. Limited shuttle service between the Holiday Inn and the Seattle Center will be available.

Low-cost Accommodations:

  • Green Tortoise Hostal, (206)340-1222, $22 per person in dorm rooms. Located downtown.

  • Hostelling International, 84 Union St, (888)622-5443, reserve@hiseattle.org. $25 per person in dorm rooms, requires $25 membership fee. Located downtown.

  • College Inn Guesthouse, 4000 University Way NE, 206-633-4441, $50 single. Located in U-District.
Getting there
We recommend Casto Travel as a travel agency particularly skilled in finding low fares. Contact Jerry Feldman at 831-426-2350

Refunds
No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 20. For cancellations received prior to September 20, a full refund minus a $50 service charge will be provided.

Scholarships
We've exhausted our scholarship funds for this year, and are no longer accepting scholarship applications.

On-site registration is available at Seattle Center