Capital District Food Summit 2017: Working Together to Feed the Hungry

The 2017 Food Summit is a collaborative effort between The Food Pantries for the Capital District, Siena College, The University at Albany's School of Public Health and sponsored by SEFCU. This summit aims to bring together food assistance providers and those interested in food security in order to share best practices and innovations in hunger relief efforts. The event will feature FED Talks, a food focused form of TED Talks, Workshops, and networking opportunities as well as breakfast and lunch. 

We are excited that our Keynote Speakers will be Brian Hassett President and CEO of The United Way of the Greater Capital Region and Dr. Katherine Briar-Lawson professor and Dean Emeritus of University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare. They will be speaking on the recently released New York State ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) which describes how working individuals in New York still struggle to be economically secure. The Keynote Address will be followed by responses from local community leaders throughout the Capital District. 

The Food Pantries for the Capital District is proud to announce our FED Talk speakers for the 2017 Capital District Food Summit, The speakers are as follows:

1. Michael Leahey- CHOW- How a Farmer's Market Changed a Food Bank
2. Sherry Tomasky- Hunger Solutions NY- Strengthening Participation in Federal Nutrition Programs
3. Mark Quandt- Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York- Food Bank Initiatives and Innovations
4. Dr. Paul Thurston and Nicholas Daly- Siena College- The Food Pantries for the Capital District Best Practices Analysis
5. Anthony Butler and Blake Arrowwood- St. John's Bread and Life Food Pantry and the Digital Choice Food Pantry- Digital Choice Food Pantry for the New Millennium
6. Natasha Thompson- Food Bank of the Southern Tier- Food at the Intersection of Charity and Justice

Food Summit Agenda:

For Food Pantry Members Only:

8:00- 9:00- Food Pantry Member Executive Leadership Strategic Initiative Meeting

9:00- 9:30- Food Pantry Members Annual Meeting

For All Guests:

9:30- 10:00- Nonmembers of The Food Pantries for the Capital District Registration and Catered Breakfast

10:00-11:00- FED talks

11:00-12:00-  Keynote Address by Dr. Katherine Briar-Lawson and Brian Hassett

12:00-12:45- Lunch

12:50-1:35- Workshop Session 1

1:40-2:25- Workshop Session 2

2:30-3:15- Workshop Session 3

3:15-3:30- Closing Remarks

Afternoon Workshops will feature speakers and panels on the following:

Track 1: Innovation and Research

Track 2: Impact and Action

Innovation and Research Workshops:

1. Innovative Food Technology Panel

2. Food Pantry Research Panel

3. Innovative Food Programming

Impact and Action Workshops:

1. Sharing the Face, Empowerment through Storytelling

2. Social Justice and Advocacy

3. Health Impacts of Food Insecurity

We are excited to see you there!