FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
September 29, 2022
Contact:
Arkansas Local Food Network (ALFN)
Katy Elliott 501-398-1573 (voice or text)
Katy.Elliott@lrsd.org; ARLocalFoodNetwork@gmail.com
Arkansas Food & Agriculture Agencies Convene for Food Forum: A Conversation about AR Local Food System
On October 20, the Arkansas Local Food Network (ALFN) hosts “Food Forum: A Conversation about AR Local Food System.” The event, to be held at the Innovation Hub on October 20 at 6:00pm, is a panel discussion centered on key topics in agriculture and food security. The panel will include:
- Dr. Karen Keller Ballard, B & B Legacy Farms, LLC
- Jeremy Adams Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, Project Manager for Arkansas’s Double up Food Bucks Program. Representative for the Arkansas Farmers Market Association.
- Michelle Shope, Director of Food Sourcing & Logistics, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance
- Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor in Food Systems and Safety
- Rip Weaver, Local Foods Program Technician, UADA Extension
- Anna Sawyer, Community Garden Coordinator for the City of North Little Rock
- Karen Reynolds, Grants & Program Manager – Arkansas Grown, Arkansas Made, Homegrown By Heroes at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
- Brandon Gordon, Five Acre Farms
- Ruth Canada, Heifer USA Engagement & Program Officer (Moderator)
Farmers, gardeners, local food markets & businesses, community agencies, and interested individuals are encouraged to attend and to assist in ensuring a broad range of initiatives are represented. The ALFN website provides an opportunity to connect and send information: https://arkansaslocalfoodnetwork.org/food-forum/.
The Food Forum will provide a big picture overview of the state of our local food system. The discussion will explore agricultural supply and demand, access to local food, marketing and farmer resources, community gardens and more. The event will be an opportunity to connect with agencies and resources that support equitable and economically viable local food in Central Arkansas and beyond. Information about a variety of local food initiatives will be shared. Light refreshments prepared by The Root Cafe will be served.
The event is free and all are invited to join us October 20, 6:00pm, at the Innovation Hub.
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Arkansas Local Food Network 