About the Summit

Welcome to Feeding Change: Nourishing Alabama’s Future!
This Summit is designed to create a collaborative environment where every stakeholder—from producers to consumers—can connect, share insights, and work together to drive meaningful change in Alabama. We are excited to bring together passionate individuals who represent the diverse and interconnected facets of our State’s food system.

To kick things off, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at the Summit:

Navigating the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel
Navigating the Summit is easy with our detailed maps of the first and second floors, available on pages 3 and 4 of this booklet. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your way:

Plenary Sessions: These will be held on the first floor in the Alabama Ballroom BCDE, where we’ll gather for our main discussions, keynotes, and panelists.

Breakout Sessions: For more insightful and dynamic sessions, breakouts will be held upstairs in the Riverview Rooms. These sessions are structured into six distinct tracks, with each track comprising four sessions.

TRACK A: Emerging Issues in Agriculture Explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in agriculture that are shaping the future of food production in Alabama.
TRACK B: Rural Food Infrastructure Discuss strategies to improve food distribution and infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious food.
TRACK C: Enhancing Food Access Focus on initiatives and policies aimed at increasing food accessibility for all communities, particularly underserved populations in our State.
TRACK D: Bridging Gaps, Building Resilience Learn about efforts to strengthen the food system’s resilience against disruptions and identifying sustainable solutions to bridge these gaps.
TRACK E: Food as Medicine Delve into the role of nutrition in health and wellness, and how food can be used as a preventive and therapeutic tool.
TRACK F: Cultivating Skills for Impact Gain practical skills and knowledge to make a tangible impact in your community and the broader food system.

Exhibitor Space: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit our exhibitors in the Concourse Hallway, located just outside the General Session area in the Alabama Ballroom BCDE. This space showcases a variety of organizations that are integral to Alabama’s food network and have made this event possible.

Registration & Information
Have questions or need assistance? Visit the Registration & Information table located outside the Alabama Ballroom. Our team is here to help both days of the Summit.

Wi-Fi Instructions
Stay connected with our free Wi-Fi:

Network: Renaissance_CONFERENCE
Password: FCNAF24

Social Media
Speaking of community, share your experiences and connect with others by using the hashtag #FeedingChange in your social media posts.

Planning Committee Members

Agenda

Wednesday, Nov. 6th


10:30 – 11:30	Registration
11:30 – 12:00	Opening
12:00 – 1:00	Lunch Buffet & GENERAL SESSION (AL Ballroom BCDE) Enhancing Alabama's Food Chain from Production to Retail • Dr. Janie Clay - University of Alabama at Birmingham (Producer) • Michaela Wilson - Blue Ribbon Diary LLC (Processor) • Jimmy Wright - Wright's Marjet (Retailer)
1:00 – 1:15	Networking & Exhibits (Concourse Hallway)
1:15 – 2:15	Breakout Sessions TRACK A: Opportunities in Alabama Agriculture (Riverview 8) Bob Plaster – Alabama Agriculture and Industries Arlo Pate – Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network Brandon McCray – National Resource Conservation Service TRACK B: Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural Communities (Riverview 4) Dr. Kara Newby – Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University Beth Finch – Feeding the Gulf Coast Benefits Enrollment Center Jean Rykaczewski – West Alabama Food Bank TRACK C: Innovative Pathways in Child Nutrition: What’s on the Horizon? (Riverview 2) Julie Autrey – Alabama Department of Education Eugenie Sellier – Feeding Alabama TRACK D: Revitalizing the Black Belt: Building Sustainable Food Systems (Riverview 1) Portia Shepherd – Black Belt Women Rising Dr. Lindsey Lunsford – Tuskegee University Chad McEachern – Edmundite Missions TRACK E: Framing Food as Medicine (Riverview 3) Kim Baldwin – American Heart Association TRACK F: Data Gathering and Management (Riverview 7) Apreill Hartsfield, JD – Voices for Alabama’s Children Carol Gundlach – Alabama Arise
2:15 – 2:30	Break
2:30 – 3:30	Breakout Sessions TRACK A: Agriculture’s Role in Community Development (Riverview 8) Dominique Villanueva – Fountain Heights Lisa Beasley – The Market at Pepper Place TRACK B: Infrastructure in Rural Communities: Sowing Seeds of Resilience (Riverview 4) Dr. Meredith Casey – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Dr. Sara González – Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University Dr. Veronica Royal – Tuskegee University Meat and Poultry Processing Technical TRACK C: Effective Strategies for Benefit Outreach (Riverview 2) Beth Finch – Feeding the Gulf Coast Taylor Hilyer – Alabama Community College System Julia Thomas – Alabama Department of Human Resources TRACK D: Disaster Preparedness and Response: Feeding During Times of Crisis (Riverview 1) Michael Ledger – Feeding the Gulf Coast Paul Smelley – Alabama Department of Human Resources, Feeding and Mass Care Division Alvin King – Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), Preparedness and Response Division Warren Alan Tidwell – Alabama Center for Rural Organizing and Systemic Solutions (ACROSS) TRACK E: Nourishing Hope: The Role of Healthcare in Combating Food Insecurity (Riverview 3) Adolfo Molina, MD – Children's of Alabama Cindy Deerman – Children's of Alabama Katie Wolter, MD – Nourish Wellness TRACK F: Effective Advocacy Strategies for Impact (Riverview 7) Pres Harris – Alabama Arise
3:30 – 3:45	Networking & Exhibits (Concourse Hallway)
3:45 – 5:00	GENERAL SESSION (AL Ballroom BCDE) • Dr. Caree Cotwright (pre-recorded remarks) Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity, USDA • Izra Brown - Deputy Regional Administrator, USDA
5:00 – 6:00	Exhibits and Reception with hors d’oeuvres (Exhibit Hall A)

Thursday, Nov. 7th


7:45 – 8:15	Continental Breakfast
8:15 – 9:15	GENERAL SESSION (AL Ballroom BCDE) Weaving Food Justice Through the Layers of Alabama's Food System • • Karen Washington - Farmer and Food Justice Advocate
9:15 – 9:30	Networking & Exhibits (Concourse Hallway)
9:30 – 10:30	Breakout Sessions TRACK A: Innovations in Alabama Agriculture (Riverview 8) Holt Aker-Campbells – Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Auburn Ruchie Pathak – University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Department of Geography & the Environment Caroline Blanchard – Head grower, Auburn University Vertical Farming TRACK B: From Field to Fork: Strengthening Local Supply Chains (Riverview 4) Beth Spratt – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Dr. Tyler Morgan – Auburn University, Department of Supply Chain Dr. Tony Roath – Auburn University, Department of Supply Chain Ellie Taylor – Alabama Grocers Association TRACK C: Beyond the Serving Lines: Alabama's Innovative Strategies for Healthy School Meals (Riverview 2) Emma Ann Hallman – Child Nutrition Haleyville City Cacyce Davis – Child Nutrition Elmore County Jenna Mayfield – Director, Fayetteville County Schools TRACK D: Community Solutions to Food Apartheid in Alabama’s Metropolitan Areas (Riverview 1) Marilyn Puett –United Church of Huntsville Rev. Dr. Brian Byrne – A United Church of Huntsville Alicia Stallworth – Bay Area Women's Coalition Sam Yu – Help A Brother Out Foundation Karen Washington – Farmer and Food Justice Advocate TRACK E: Food as Medicine on the Gulf Coast: Teaching Kitchens at USA Health (Riverview 3) Carrie McNair – University of South Alabama Health Margaret Kappel – University of South Alabama Health TRACK F: Cultivating Resources: Create More Impact with Grant Funding (Riverview 7) William Thomas – Patelana Group Dr. Kara Newby – Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 11:45	Breakout Sessions TRACK B: Rural Nourishment Initiatives (Riverview 4 Chyna Smith – Food Bank of North Alabama Amanda Carter – Food Bank of North Alabama Mike McClendon – St. Mary's Episcopal Church (Jasper, AL) TRACK C: Innovative Pathways for Achieving Food Security on College Campuses (Riverview 2) Jessica Horsley – Heart of Alabama Food Bank Debbie Morgette – University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) TRACK D: Tiny Tastes, Big Impact: Bridging Nutritional Gaps in Early Childhood (Riverview 1) Apreill Hartsfield, JD – Voices for Alabama's Children Emily Campbell – Alabama Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Coalition Molly Killman – Alabama Department of Public Health Liletta Jenkins – Children's Policy Council TRACK E: Diverse Approaches to Food as Medicine (Riverview 3) M’Kayl Lewis – University of South Alabama Health Taylor Hatchett – Boozer Farms Michael Coleman – Heart of Alabama Food Bank TRACK F: Opportunities for Anti-Hunger Advocacy Over the Next Year (Riverview 7) Laura Lester, JD – Feeding Alabama Carol Gundlach – Alabama Arise
11:45 – 12:00	Networking & Exhibits (Concourse Hallway)
12:00 – 1:30	Lunch + GENERAL SESSION (AL Ballroom BCDE) The Intersection of Agriculture, Health, and Education in Alabama • Don Wambles - Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries • Pam Galloway - Alabama Department of Public Health, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children • Angelice Lowe - Alabama State Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs • Brandon Hardin - Alabama Department of Human Resources, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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Planning Committee Members

Agenda

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