CDFA Greater LA Farm-to-School Mini-Conference
Schedule
Fri Nov 14 2025 at 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
UTC-08:00Location
South Coast Research and Extension Center/ UC Agriculture and Natural Resources | Irvine, CA
About this Event
Join us for a full day of workshops, networking, and building lasting farm-to-school connections!
The Greater LA Farm-to-School Mini-Conference brings together school leaders, producers, and support organizations to explore new opportunities for collaboration to enhance farm-to-school in the region. Through fireside chats, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions, weβll dive into how schools can increase local procurement to better support local growers, how to build sustainable farm-to-school programming, and strategies around school gardens.
Our goal is to create a welcoming space where our region's farm-to-school champions can connect, share resources, and build meaningful relationships. Together, we'll plant seeds for lasting change in our cafeterias and classrooms!
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Data Collection Notice
Your responses will be used by the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) for reporting and program evaluation purposes only. This helps us ensure that our workshops are accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of farmers and food growers across Los Angeles. All questions are optional, and your responses will remain confidential and anonymized in any reporting.
Agenda
π: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Check-in: Farmers Market & Social Hour
Info: Check in, enjoy some free samples, and get to know your region's growers. This is your chance to meet local growers and taste what they have to offer your menu!
π: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome & Introduction
π: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Building Sustainable Farm to School Programs: From Seed to System
Host: Cassidy Furnari, Upland USD
Info: This panel examines how districts transition from pilot projects to establish sustainable, equity-driven farm-to-school systems. Learn from district Farm-to-School coordinators driving success in procurement, student engagement, and community partnerships, and gain practical tools for sustaining programs beyond grant cycles.
π: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Breakout Session: Scaling Local Procurement | Growing Local Connections
Host: Lilyanna Montenegro, Yucaipa-Calimesa USD
Info: One of two breakout sessions: Discover how strong systems and partnerships make local sourcing possible. Hear how Yucaipa-Calimesa USD and Old Grove Orange built a two-decade collaboration that strengthens both the district and regional producers.
π: 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Breakout Session: Growing Sustainable School Garden Programs
Host: Paul Hudak, Growing Together Education
Info: One of two breakout sessions: Explore how school gardens enhance learning, wellness, and community ties. Learn strategies for funding, curriculum integration, and long-term sustainability from organizations leading this work across LA.
π: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
π: 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Farm Field Trip with Harvest Solutions
Info: Join Harvest Solutions for a guided tour of their farm operations, exploring innovative practices that connect local agriculture with school food systems.
π: 03:00 PM
Event Close! Thanks for coming!
Where is it happening?
South Coast Research and Extension Center/ UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, 7601 Irvine Boulevard, Irvine, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00

















