JOIN US for the 4th Annual Arizona Farm to School Gathering!

When we Gather Together, We Grow Together

Calling all local food enthusiasts, educators, producers, and community leaders! Step into a world of fresh flavors, hands-on learning, and connections that grow strong roots in our communities. The Arizona Farm to School Gathering is an extraordinary annual celebration, dedicated to showcasing the amazing work being done to cultivate healthy relationships between farms and schools. Get ready to gather with a network of professionals that will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference in your community.

The Arizona Farm to School Gathering is hosted by the Arizona Farm to School Network, a state-wide hub of professionals working together to implement and sustain farm to school programming. The three pillars of farm to school programming include local food purchasing in school nutrition programs, school gardens, and food education.

We are grateful to our presenting sponsor, Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste & Fry’s Food Stores, their support and partnership event possible! Learn more about their community work to end hunger and eliminate waste across the company through their Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan here.

WHY WE GATHER

The Arizona Farm to School Network was founded on the understanding that collaboration is essential for cultivating thriving farm to school programs. Let’s gather in 2023 to exchange ideas, foster connections across professions, and boost confidence in taking action to move farm to school efforts forward in Arizona. The 2023 Annual Arizona Farm to School Gathering provides an opportunity to share successes, discuss challenges, and support innovative work across professions and communities.

INTENDED AUDIENCES

The Farm to School Gathering is for all people who desire to enrich the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings.

Whether you have a desire to start a school garden and don’t know where to start, or are a seasoned advocate of local food purchasing, this event is for you. Intended audiences include but are not limited to; child nutrition program operators (NSLP/SBP, SFSP CACFP, and FFVP), educators, administrators, legislators, researchers, farmers, ranchers, growers, gardeners, food system advocates, program specialists, community members, and volunteers

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

This hybrid event will gather farm to school stakeholders across the state working to grow locally sourced school meals, garden spaces, and healthy food and agriculture literacy across Arizona. Click here to view the agenda preview.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19TH REGIONAL FIELD TRIPS TO LOCAL FARMS AND SCHOOLS:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of our local farms, school gardens, and school nutrition programs! Explore lush fields and garden spaces, discover agriculture and culinary practices, and meet the passionate people behind it all. Witness firsthand how wholesome food is cultivated and gain valuable insights to share with your students, colleagues, and friends. Participants will embark on a bus tour of featured field trips guided by farm to school champions across Arizona. Participants will register to attend one of two available bus tours located in Central Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

NOTE: The Prescott tour was postponed due to low registration. We plan to schedule follow-up event in northern Arizona later in the school year!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH VIRTUAL SESSIONS:

Ignite your creativity and deepen your knowledge with engaging presentations and thought-provoking discussions led by local experts in the field. Learn about innovative approaches to farm-to-school programs, the importance of nutrition education, and effective strategies for engaging students in healthy eating habits. Participants will be able to tune into virtual sessions from the comfort of their own homes.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES:

Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for farm-to-school initiatives. Exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a support network that will fuel your efforts to create healthier, more sustainable communities. A networking event will be hosted at the conclusion of the bus tours on October 19th. Attendees will also be able to network during virtual sessions and message each other through our event platform, SCHED.

EVENT PRICING

B US TOUR FIELD TRIPS (OCTOBER 19TH): $25 (+ $3.52 tax & fees)

N ETWORKING EVENT (OCTOBER 19TH): FREE

V IRTUAL SESSIONS (OCTOBER 20TH): FREE

A fter registration is confirmed, attendees will be sent an invite to create a profile on SCHED, the event management platform. Attendees will use SCHED to customize their agendas, connect with speakers, sponsors, and fellow attendees, and more.

Spots are limited, register today!