"Voices from the Field: Maintaining high quality meals during emergency service and beyond"
Thursday, October 29, 2020 - 9:15am - 10:15am
Speaker(s): Krysta Williams, Center for Ecoliteracy
Yousef Buzayan, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)

Description:Join the Center for Ecoliteracy and Community Alliance with Family Farmers as we explore school nutrition program innovations during COVID-19 that help increase participation, resiliency, and support for local food systems and communities. We'll share delicious and inspirational case studies from school food leaders across the state and leave time for a rich discussion with highlighted districts. We'll also share strategies for local procurement and some supports available for those interested in buying locally but aren't sure where to start.

Krysta Williams - Center for Ecoliteracy
Speaker Bio:

Krysta Williams builds and maintains relationships with school districts and allied organizations throughout California to cultivate, support, and sustain the California Food for California Kids initiative. She has extensive experience as a public school teacher as well as designing and directing informal out-of-school time educational programs across the US and Costa Rica. She received a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy from New York University. A passion for nourishing local food began in her childhood garden and has extended to working on educational farms, leading cooking workshops, and advocating for policies to support a healthy and accessible food system.

Yousef Buzayan - Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Speaker Bio:

Yousef studied Agricultural Economics and International Ag Development at UC Davis and has interests in food systems and agricultural supply chains. As Farm to Cafeteria Program Manager, he provides technical expertise and assistance to farmers and foodservice operators on supply chain logistics, regulations, and best practices for Farm to Cafeteria sales. He has worked at farmers markets, served as a UC Davis agricultural ambassador and formerly directed the UC Davis Whole Earth Festival. In his spare time, Yousef plays basketball, follows fantasy football, listens to podcasts, and watches the US National Soccer teams.