Mark your calendars: the Just Food Conference 2012 is going down February 24-25. If you’re a conscious and curious foodie (and by “foodie,” I mean those who dig good food — no culinary education or pretension required), farmer, gardener, agricultural advocate or educator, this conference is for you.
Just Food is a non-profit that provides New York City dwellers access to local, fresh food; educates the community about healthy eating and cooking; trains the next crop of urban agriculturists; and fights for food justice.
The conference promises two full days of education, inspiration and networking. Culminating in a career panel and the Good Food Jobs Fair, Friday’s schedule is aimed at food entrepreneurs and food industry professionals and wanna-be professionals. Saturday is designed for the general public, and features a farmer panel and a keynote address from U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen A. Merrigan.
Thinking all that food talk will leave your stomach growling? Not to worry; a good food conference means plenty of good eats. Tickets include breakfast and lunch, the latter provided by Great Performances and Whole Foods.
Can’t make it to the conference but still want to participate? Check out the “Day in the Life” online auction, where you can bid for a day with your local food hero. They’ve got everyone from chefs, agricultural lawyers and picklers, to bakers, food photographers, restaurateurs, foragers, knife makers and farmers (both urban and otherwise) on the list.
If you attend, keep an eye out for the Clean Plates table and be sure to say hello!
What: The Just Food Conference 2012
Where: Food & Finance School, 525 West 50th Street, Manhattan
When: Friday, 2/24 8:30am-7pm; Saturday, 2/25 8am-6pm
Tickets: Purchase your one-day ($30), two-day ($50) or jobs fair only ($15) ticket here. Discounts available for farmers and low-income attendees (student discount sold out).
