From the Ground Up: Creating a Holistic Food Ecosystem in Pittsburgh

As national and international media have reported, Pittsburgh’s food industry has undergone a transformation from burgeoning to world class. What does it take to create and sustain a holistic food ecosystem of tech companies, retail spaces, farms, and the community? It’s not just about restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. In this session, an expert panel of policy makers, academics, economic development professionals, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs will discuss what is happening, and what is still needed, to build a community-centric food economy in SWPA.

Moderator:
Alice Julier: Associate Professor, Food Studies Director, Center for Regional Agriculture Food and Transformation (CRAFT) at Chatham University

Panelists:
Jamilka Borges: Executive Chef of: Lorelei kitchen, Independent Brewing Company and Hidden Harbor
Rebecca Bykoski: Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant Program Manager
Leah Lizarondo: CEO and Co-Founder – 412 Food Rescue
Miriam (Mim) Seidel, MS, RD, LDN: Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Chatham University and Chair of the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council Steering Committee
Stefan Vantchev: CTO, Panacea.Ag and Founder, Greenhouses for Everyone