Come join us for dinner and discussion about the state budget and revenue situation and how it affects local food and farm systems development. 

The forum aims to provide information on state and local food systems and opportunities and ideas for civically engaging with your community and policymakers, all within the broader context of state budget and revenue issues.

Senator Tom Hawk, a native of the Colby area who now resides in and represents the Manhattan area at the Statehouse, will provide the state legislative and budget overview, as well as sharing information about the statewide Local Food and Farm Task Force.  Tom Hawk is the author of original bill which formed the Task Force in 2014.  Updates and information will also be provided by Thomas County Coalition, Northwest Kansas Healthy Communities Initiative – Rawlins and Cheyenne County, Western Prairie Food Farm & Community Alliance, the High Plains Food Co-op and the League of Women Voters.

Time will also be provided for roundtable dialogue focusing on civic engagement, resources, ideas, and ways to work together to reach the common vision of a healthy, local food system.

The Forum will be the third in KRC’s Feeding Kansas Dinner & Dialogue series of six across the state. The first forum was held in Hutchinson on May 17 and the second will be in Concordia on June 1.  Each forum will be a little different but each will offer state and local overviews of food and farm related activity and the opportunity to learn more about how amplify your voice during this important election year.

Other upcoming “Feeding Kansas Dinner & Dialogue” forums will be held in:

Concordia – Wednesday, June 1

Garden City – Thursday, June 16

Ottawa – Monday, June 20

Iola – Tuesday, June 21

The Feeding Kansas Forum Series is a part of KRC’s “Community Food Solutions for a Healthier Kansas” initiative, which aims to improve economy, community, environment, and health in Kansas by advancing specific public policy solutions that better incorporate Kansas farms into the state’s healthy food supply chain.

KRC asks that participants RSVP ahead of time to ensure a meal. For more information or to RSVP, please visit http://kansasruralcenter.org/cfs/, or call 866-579-5469 and select Natalie Fullerton, KRC Program Director.