Local Food Connections Virtual Conference

Please join the Kansas Rural Center on May 7th, from 8:45 am to 2:30 pm, for a virtual Local Foods Connections Conference, during which we will share stories and information from across the region about local food connections.

Farmers, producers, school personnel and community stakeholders will join together to discuss resilient local and regional food systems, ways to adapt to unforeseen changes and how to become more involved with the next generation of Kansans through Farm to School. This gathering will provide the opportunity to build relationships with speakers and attendees, participate in a cooking demonstration, and interact with a broad network of local food systems organizations in Kansas. 

The conference will include panelists and speakers from across the region who are actively involved in strengthening local food systems and Farm to School programs. Farmers, food producers, school nutrition personnel, grassroots organizers and community stakeholders in food systems are encouraged to attend this event. This virtual conference will help promote new relationships in our foodshed and increase awareness on access to healthful local foods. This conference is partially supported by a USDA Farm to School grant.  

Keynote presenters include land-based educator Brett Ramey of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, John Ikerd. Ramey’s work sits at the intersections of ecological, cultural, and community health and includes designing courses on Indigenous foodways and climate change at a Tribal University, conducting community-based health research, facilitating healing retreats for cancer survivors, and advising on numerous national and tribal climate justice and conservation initiatives.  

Ikerd orients his work toward agricultural and economic sustainability as a means of supporting small family farms and rural communities, has authored numerous books, and is recognized as a longtime leading voice in the sustainable agriculture movement.  

Four breakout sessions will host panelists from across the state who will discuss Farm to School partnerships, community food hubs, and the status of local grocery stores in rural communities. Over the lunch hour, Chef Rick Martin, Hospitality Consultant for the Lawrence Restaurant Association and Co-founder of Kitchen Scratch will give a cooking demonstration and be available for conversation.  A more detailed agenda will be available soon.