This event will take place on Friday, April 15, at 9 a.m.
The Maine Food Waste Solutions Summit is Maine’s annual food waste event that brings together our state’s key food system participants — farms, food businesses, feeding partners, community leadership and government and nonprofit organizations. Working together, we can move to a circular food system where food is highly valued and never wasted. This new vision for Maine’s food system will equitably deliver economic, social and environmental/climate benefits for all Maine people.
Keynote Speakers: The Food Waste Problem
Food Waste Problem and Solutions — National and Maine Data
Presented by Angel Veza, Senior Manager, Capital Innovation and Engagement for ReFED (Rethink Food Waste through Economics and Data), the national non-profit working to end food waste across the U.S. food system using data-driven solutions.
Food Waste Solutions: — Federal Policy and Partnerships
Presented by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative for Maine’s 1st congressional district and a leading advocate for federal policies to support agriculture and end food waste.
Why Stop Food Waste? Q&A Discussion
A panel of food waste experts will present the economic, social, and environmental benefits related to ending food waste.
Moderator: TBA
Panelists:
- Dr. Ivan Fernandez, Climate and Soils Scientist, UMaine
- Travis Blackmer, Economist, UMaine
- Ryan Parker, Director, Food Corps
Sessions: Maine Food Waste Solutions — How can we take action?
Maine Success Stories
A panel will present inspiring local examples of innovative food waste solutions for Maine households, communities and businesses.
Moderators:
- Pips Veazey, Director, Portland Gateway, UMaine
- Ashley Forbes, Foster Center for Innovation, UMaine
Panelists:
- Commissioner Randy Liberty, Maine Dept. Of Corrections
- Nick Jackson, Jackson Regenerational Farm
- Dixie Shaw, Aroostook County Catholic Charities
- Troy Moon, Sustainability Director, City of Portland
Student Updates: Current Maine Food Waste Pilots
Mitchell Center student interns present their individual Maine pilot projects developed with key stakeholders to deliver “triple bottom line” food waste solutions and accompanying benefits.
- Solution 1: Reduction – Tracking and Measuring Waste Opportunities
- Solution 2: Recovery – Food Donation and Food Rescue
- Solution 4: Recovery – Local Food Infrastructure
- Solution 6: Recycling – Community Food Waste Pilots
- Solution 3: Education and Communication – Community, Schools, Social Media
- Food System Solution: Maine Circular Food System GIS Map
Solution Workshops – How to Get Started
Click here to register for this virtual summit. An agenda and Zoom connection information will follow.
Contact Susanne Lee if you have any questions or need more information.
