Growing Local Connections
The Local Food Forum will gather farmers, chefs, schools food services, restaurateurs and institutions to discuss ways to develop and support our local food system. Hear how to best source local products using the Internet. Learn what other regions in New England are up to. Realize the social, environmental and economic benefits of supporting local family farmers through direct food purchasing. RSVP Requested
The forum is free and open to the public. We encourage you to fill out a registration form and e-mail it to Louella by Wednesday, February 1 so that we can plan appropriately. Last-minute attendees are of course still welcome. Getting Here
All events will be in the Sharpe Refectory ("Ratty") Dining Hall on Brown University’s campus in Providence. The campus is accessible by car, RIPTA / Greyhound / Bonanza bus, and Amtrak / MBTA train: directions and campus map. Free time-unlimited street parking is available a few blocks from the Brown campus, though Brown also offers an on-campus pay parking lot. Presented by
- Brown Dining Services
- Farm Fresh Rhode Island
- RI Division of Agriculture
- Kids First
Local Food Forum - February 3, 2006
8 - 8:30
Check-in, Coffee, Tea and Pastries
8:30 - 10
Farm to School: "Building Connections"
Workshop for farmers, school food service directors, local non-profits, and advocates of childhood nutrition and community health. Local purchasing case studies from R.I. and MA will be discussed. Resources will be shared.
Speakers include: Will Wallace-Gusakov, Farm to School Program for the State of Massachusetts, Mike Marracco, Cranston School District Food Service, Dorothy Brayley, Director, Kids First, Allen Hill, Farmer, Hill Orchards in Johnston, R.I.
10 - 10:30
Refreshments and Speeches
"Farm Fresh Foods Mean Healthy Kids"
Address by Dr. Gifford., Director, R.I. D.O.H.
"Viable Farms Mean Strong Communities"
Address by Dr. Mike Sullivan, Director, R.I. D.E.M.
10:30 - 12
Farm to Restaurant: "Local is on the Menu"
Workshop for Farmers, Chefs and Restaurateurs. Hear from chefs who've linked up with local farmers. Learn the best way to make local work for your menu and your staff. Learn how to access information on product availability through an on-line database.
Speakers include: Nicole Vitello, Farmer, Manic Organic Farm, Howard Snitzer, EC, Agora Restaurant at Agora, Providence, Casey Riley, Newport Harbor Corporation, Elizabeth Mersereau, Brown Dining Services
12 - 1:30
Networking and Lunch
Information about the 2005 Local Food Forum is still available if you're curious.