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.

Concordia resident, Loren Swenson, will provide an update and outlook on the state Local Food & Farm Task Force. Loren served on the Task Force last year and with passage of recent legislation will continue to serve on the Task Force for another year. Concordia’s forum will also feature an analysis about state budget and revenue concerns, and an analysis of the impact of recent state legislation on local food systems and food access by Kansas Rural Center Lobbyist, Paul Johnson.

Live Well Saline County will share an update on their work promoting local food in the region and the efforts that are being born as a result. The League of Women Voters will share resources for increasing voter registration and educating your community members on the importance of voting and how their participation will make a difference.

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 is second in KRC’s Feeding Kansas Dinner & Dialogue series of six across the state. The first forum was held in Hutchinson on May 17.  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:

Colby – Thursday, June 2

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.