Speakers & Presentations Local Resources National Resources 

Food Summit logo for Wichita

VIRTUAL SUMMIT | JUNE 23 & 28, 2022

Sustainable Food Management

for the greater Wichita community

This summit engaged stakeholders across the food system in the Wichita area to discuss various topics about reducing food waste and gaining best use out of excess food.  Attendees had opportunity to discuss various topics about sustainable food management and connect with others in the area to enhance the current efforts to reduce food loss and waste in the area.

June 23 | Main Introduction Slides | Breakout Session Summary

June 28 | Main Introduction Slides  Breakout Session Summary


Keynote Presentations

Photo of John Michael

"Teaching the Future about Sustainability"
John Michael | Director of Culinary & Hospitality, WSU Tech

jmichael4@wsutech.edu

 

 

Photo of Joseph Beckmann

"Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act and Other Financial Benefits of Food Donation."
Joseph Beckmann | Clinical Fellow, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic

jbeckmann@law.harvard.edu

View Slides

 

Panel Discussion

"Getting Best Use Out of Excess Food"
From feeding people to composting, panelists will discuss what their organizations do to make the best use out of excess food in the Wichita area.

Photo of Stephanie Merritt

Stephanie Merritt | Founder/Executive Director, ICT Food Rescue

ictfoodrescue@gmail.com

 

 

Photo of Jesse Marks

Jesse Marks | Owner, Nudge Compost

nudgecompost@gmail.com

View Slides

 

Photo of Sheila Regehr

Sheila Regehr | Corporate Affairs Manager, The Kroger Company

Sheila.Regehr@dillonstores.com

View Slides

 

 

 


Local Resources

City of Wichita/Sedgwick County Food System Master Plan

A healthy, sustainable regional food system can bring economic, environmental, and social benefits to a community. But these benefits don't happen automatically. Food systems need planning, too! Planning brings structure and strategy to local food systems growth, and helps align policies, such as ordinances, zoning, and incentives to support the local food system. Throughout 2020, the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita, the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and community partners created a Food System Master Plan.

 

Common Ground

 is a mobile market that has one mission which is to serve the community, specifically in food deserts and areas with neighbors experiencing low incomes and food insecurity.

 

Fairmount Community Garden

The began in 2018 as a shared dream with the community.  The garden is a communal garden.  Volunteers work together to make the garden a productive and positive experience for the community by sharing tasks, such as planning, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.

  

Firefly Food Hub

The offers some of the finest produce in the Wichita local food community. They offer locally grown flowers, fruits, and vegetables that focus on heirlooms and hybrids.  

Growing Growers 

The , part of , is for aspiring fruit and vegetable producers who desire a personalized coaching experience to learn foundational concepts and connect to the local grower community, helping them develop profitable farms and effective garden projects.

HAHA Urban Farm

aims to foster a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere of laughter and community by organically growing and providing nutrient-dense food to the Bel Aire area in partnership with other local, organic growers. Through these efforts, they hope to inspire friendships and laughter through the sharing of locally grown, healthy and happy food.

 

Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita

The seeks to promote healthy lifestyles through physical activity and healthy eating.  They seek to acheive their mission by working to create an accessible environment, develop effective marketing strategies, and develop programs that supports healthy people.  Through subcommittees, they approach topics such as food policy, physical activity, and working well. They are also active participants in the Wichita/Sedgwick County Food System Master Plan.

    

ICT Food Circle

is a program of鈥 whose mission is to connect, educate, and faciliate food system stakeholders. A strong, vibrant, local food economy in south central Kansas that meets the needs of all facets of our community-based food system.

ICT Food Rescue

provides logistical support to save surplus food from stores, restaurants, and individuals. Their Mission is to distribute unavoidable food surplus, sharing with the food insecure of Wichita by coordinating food 鈥渞unners鈥 who transport donated surplus to receiving non-profits.鈥 They are also an advocate for reducing food waste and bringing attention to food insecurity in the Wichita area.  Additional programs include: , , and the upcoming .

  

K-State Research and Extension

The goals of the program include educating consumers on safe food handling with food preparation, food preservation, food service and more. Many topics are highlighted on this site to help you learn how to safely handle food from the farm to your table.

Kansas Food Bank

The mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate HungerCare whenever and wherever it is needed to safeguard the health, well-being and productivity of food-insecure Kansas families and their children, as well as senior citizens, the homeless and the chronically ill and impoverished among us.

    

Nudge Compost

seeks to facilitate food waste recycling in Wichita by offering a simple, clean, and professional alternative to sending food waste to landfills.

Pollution Prevention Institute

The (PPI) vision is for a healthy Kansas environment that fosters economic and environmental sustainability and growth. PPI's mission is to promote sustainability through environmental education and services to industry and institutions.  These services include environmental compliance and pollution prevention technical assistance.

      

 

Sedgwick County Conservation District

The provides resources and experiences to promote conservation of natural resources including, soil, water, air, plants, and animals.  The SCCD is part of a USDA Service Center where customers can access services provided by the and .

 

Sedgwick County Environmental Resources

provides information and resources on a variety of environmental topics including, trash, recycling, water, and public education.  

Sedgwick County Extension

The K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansas. Topics of research and education in the include, , , , , and many more.

WSU Tech Culinary & Hospitality

The program will prepare individuals with little to no industry experience for entry-level and secondary food service positions with the potential for expedited promotion. The curriculum covers a diverse menu of options, from artisanal breads and pastries to global cuisines classes and places emphasis on maximizing lab contact hours, and providing real-world experience in an urban location within the framework of innovation, sustainability, and accessibility.

The program offers a multi-disciplinary degree intended to provide students the knowledge and practical skills for success in the Hospitality Industry.

 

 

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This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (#AI97756601) to 红领巾瓜报 Environmental Finance Center. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.