Community food systems training offered
August 23, 2018
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host trainings Sept. 5-6 on developing community food systems in Alaska.
Two trainings will be offered at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer and by videoconference in Sitka and Fairbanks. A local food leader training, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, is geared to individuals interested in partnering with other organizations to develop a community food system. A community food systems training will take place Sept. 5 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The food systems training will teach participants how to work with communities to develop food systems and to complete projects related to food system change, including strategic planning, community food system assessment, and design thinking and development. A tour of local farms will take place the evening of Sept. 6 in each community.
Both trainings also require the completion of four online modules to receive certifications as a local food leader and in community food systems. The trainings will be led by Courtney Long, the coordinator of the Community Food Systems Program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The cost is $25 for the local food leader training, $75 for community food systems training, or $85 for both. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/2KmvXxE.
The Matanuska Experiment Farm is located at 1509 S. Georgeson Drive. The videoconference will be offered at Extension’s Sitka Outreach Center at 1332 Seward Ave., Room 107, and at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, 725 26th Ave. For more information, see www.uaf.edu/ces or contact Melissa Clampitt at 907-745-3551 or mrclampitt@alaska.edu.