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Highlights and Links Below
The 20th annual Chicago Food Justice Summit — a three-day event that is free to attend — begins Wednesday (March 12). The first two days of the Summit will be online; the final session on Friday takes place at Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center.
Here the link if you're already ready to register.
And here is what the event is about, from Chicago Food Policy Action Council in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Cook County Public Health.
For two decades, the Chicago Food Justice Summit has been the shared ground where ideas take root and collaborations flourish. Hosted by the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC), this milestone event celebrates 20 years of cultivating the food justice ecosystem and envisioning a future grounded in equity, resilience, and sovereignty.
This year, we honor the old roots that anchor us—decades of leadership, advocacy, and action—while nurturing the new growth needed to sustain and expand our movement for the next generation. Together, we’ll create space for seasoned leaders and emerging changemakers to exchange wisdom, build connections, and spark innovative ideas to confront challenges like climate change, food apartheid, labor equity, and urban agriculture.
What to Expect:
The Summit offers opportunities to engage with thought leaders, grassroots organizers, policy advocates, and cultural workers shaping the future of Chicago’s food system and beyond. This event is organized in partnership with Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE). CFPAC and the 20th Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit is supported by in part by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to CCDPH. Thanks to the support of our generous partners, at this years Summit, you’ll find:
Inspiring keynote speakers
Interactive workshops and panel discussions
A resource marketplace featuring local leaders and organizations
Space to celebrate achievements and envision the future of food justice together
There is so much programming packed into the three days that we won't list it all here. Click the button below to see the full list of program segments.
Here are some selected highlights:
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
The Summit kicks off with keynote remarks from these Chicago region food justice leaders:
Rodger Cooley, Chicago Food Policy Action Council
Erika Allen, Urban Growers Collective
Anton Seals Jr., Grow Greater Englewood
Jose Oliva, HEAL Food Alliance
Daniel Block, Chicago State University
Thursday, 10 a.m.
I moved this up in the otherwise chronological listing because of its urgency.
The segment "A Year in Review: Lessons from Local Food Purchase Agreement (IL-EATS)" was undoubtedly planned to highlight the successes of the IL-EATS program — funded by the USDA and administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture — which buys food from socially disadvantaged farmers for free distribution to those facing food insecurity.
The program has abruptly taken a dark turn as the administration in Washington, D.C, in what we strongly believe is an ill-considered decision, has frozen funding for reimbursements to farmers who have laid out expenses with the reasonable expectations that the government would meet its contractual obligation to repay them. This action, which forced the state to at least temporarily suspend IL-EATS, is putting numerous small farms at extreme financial risk while denying needy individuals and families of healthy, locally produced food.
If you can, please take an hour to learn more about this critical issue, and click the button below to read our special report on the issue.
Wednesday, 11:45 a.m.
Rebuilding Illinois' Food System Infrastructure and How You Can Play a Part
Advancing Good Food Purchasing for a Healthier, Equitable Cook County
Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.
Sowing Justice — Urban Agriculture as a Path to Environmental and Social Restoration
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
Community, Equity, Sustenance: New Models for Our Food System
Thursday, 10 a.m.
Unlock Your Farming Future: A Strategic Approach to Land Access
Thursday, 11:45 a.m.
Building a Better Plate: Local Procurement for Equitable Food Systems
Thursday, 2 p.m.
Honoring the Past, and Cultivating the Future of Food as Medicine
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
New Markets, New Roots: Resources and Efforts for BIPOC Farm to School
Friday, 11 a.m. (live)
IL Food Systems Roadmap Listening Session
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