More than 150 educators, policymakers, farmers, small business owners, and local food advocates gathered for the Kansas Local Food Summit, a two-day event focused on strengthening the regional food system. Held in Salina, KS on July 29-30, the summit featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, tours, workshops, and panel discussions centered on topics like food access, farm-to-school programs, food production, and Food is Medicine.
Organized by the K-State Extension’s Local Food Systems team, the event aimed to foster collaboration and drive practical solutions to local food challenges. The opening session, “Celebrating Our Local Food Successes,” highlighted stories and data from around the state. A post-lunch panel on “Building Collaborative Relationships” featured perspectives from across the state, sharing how panelists have navigated change and community-building. The closing keynote address from Dr. Dawn Thilmany, Professor of Ag Economics at Colorado State University, took a deep dive into the data, looking at the changes we have seen over the past several years and where there are opportunities for the future. Among other topics, she shared that from 2017 to 2022, Kansas saw a 100% increase in local food sales, according to the Census of Agriculture.
Attendees also had the opportunity to network, enjoy amazing locally sourced meals and snacks prepared by Prairieland Market and Seraphim Bread, share resources through a poster session, and tour nearby local food businesses and projects. Organizers say the energy and ideas generated at the summit will help shape future initiatives and lay the groundwork for future growth.
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