Farm to Pantry Celebration & 2026 Fundraising Kick-Off
7 days ago
When
Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 08:30 US/Central
Join our gathering of current Farm to Pantry initiative partners, along with current and future funding supporters to celebrate the origins and impact of this initiative and look to the future to keep the initiative growing.
What is the Farm to Pantry initiative and why is this celebration important?
Farm to Pantry connects locally grown surplus produce with food pantries and community meal programs, reducing food waste while increasing fresh-food access for people facing food insecurity. This celebration highlights the initiative's origins and impact, brings current partners together, and launches a year of fundraising and partnership building to expand reach and capacity.
How can I be most effective as an attendee to support the cause at the event?
Arrive ready to engage: meet partners and staff, listen for specific needs (storage, transport, funding for staff, volunteer capacity), and make concrete commitments—financial gifts or multi-year pledges, employer matching, volunteer sign-ups, or offers of in-kind resources (vehicles, cold storage, packing supplies). If you plan to donate items, check with organizers first. Follow up promptly after conversations to convert interest into action.
How can organizations or businesses get involved beyond writing a check?
Consider sponsorships, employee volunteer days, providing refrigerated transport or storage, hosting pop-up distributions, offering pro bono services (marketing, logistics, IT), or establishing an ongoing donation match program. Prepare a brief proposal or capacity summary and request a meeting with The Conservation Foundation (contact Sheryl Fasone) to discuss tailored partnership opportunities and impact metrics.
What should I prepare to make conversations at the event productive?
Bring business cards and a one-page summary of what you or your organization can offer (funding range, volunteer capacity, in-kind resources, partnership ideas). Have a 30-second pitch about your interests, be ready to ask about current gaps and measurable goals, and set a clear follow-up action (email, meeting, site visit) before leaving the conversation.
Are there any weather- or farm-related precautions I should take?
Yes—this is a farm setting. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring layers for variable weather, sun protection, and insect repellent. Stay on designated paths, follow posted safety guidance around equipment and animals, and supervise children. If you have accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or health concerns (including COVID-related precautions), contact Sheryl Fasone ahead of time so accommodations can be arranged.
Did you know?
Up to 30–40% of the U.S. food supply is lost or wasted along the farm-to-retail chain; farm‑to‑pantry programs help recover edible produce that would otherwise be lost.
https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste
Food‑bank networks partner with farmers and distributors to bring fresh produce into communities — farm‑to‑food‑bank partnerships are a proven way to increase access to nutritious food.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work
Gleaning programs, where volunteers harvest surplus crops, recover millions of pounds of fresh produce each year and directly supply local pantries — volunteering has an immediate, measurable impact.
https://endhunger.org/
Eating more fruits and vegetables lowers risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers; making fresh produce available through pantries supports better community health outcomes.
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition
Stronger local food systems keep more dollars in the community and support small and midsize farms; participating in farm‑to‑pantry initiatives helps both neighbors in need and local producers.
FAQ
Did you know?