Virtual: Mapping & Coordinating the Food System: Local Food Switchboard

Across the country, localized food supply chain coordination has been a major challenge, with fragmented infrastructure, disconnected interest-holders, and limited access to critical data. Asset mapping and logistics coordination tools have been emerging to bridge these gaps, improving local food procurement and distribution.
This session will bring together leaders from supply chain mapping and coordination projects nationwide to share insights, lessons learned, and examples of their initiatives in action. By highlighting gaps and solutions in other states, we’ll illustrate the critical need for The Local Food Switchboard in Maine and its potential impact on streamlining local food procurement, expanding market access for marginalized producers, and influencing smarter food systems investments in the future.
The session will also provide an update on The Switchboard’s progress, currently in the research phase, and explore the opportunities it presents once fully operational.

Panelists Include Dr. Joshua Stoll, co-founder of Local Catch Network, owner/operater of Georgetown Island Oyster Company, Lead at Social Oceans Lab at University of Maine.

Dr. Joshua Stoll is an environmental social scientist and oyster farmer, who was born and raised in coastal Maine. He co-founded the Local Catch Network, owns and operates the Georgetown Island Oyster Company, and leads the Social Oceans Lab at the University of Maine. His work aims to sit at the intersection of science, policy, and applied research and reflects a strong commitment to building and sustaining collaborative, inclusive, and impactful initiatives. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bates College, a Masters in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, and a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine. Prior to returning to Maine, he was an early career research fellow in the Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere Program at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Sweden.

A Note about our Sliding Scale System:

This sliding scale model allows participants to choose a price to pay that meets their needs. We have a full tier, sliding scale based system which allows for applicants to self identity and choose the tier they feel is most accurate to them. note: please use the above table as a suggestion for choosing your ticket option.

At this time we are able to offer limited funds for those that need financial coverage. Please check YES in the checkout questions if you are interested in requesting a stipend for time, travel expenses or child/elder care coverage.

Sliding scale language adapted from Organic Growers School

Contact Information

mefoodevents@gmail.com

Website and More Event Information: https://www.mainefoodconvergence.org/convergence2025