Lots of Meetings and Networking

Hello everyone,

 

Sorry the update is late this week. But since my inbox didn't fill up with angry emails complaining about not getting the weekly update on Friday, I assume that you're not too upset.

 

• Spent some time last week preparing for the Pure Catskills Farm to Market Connection Conference. Which was this past Sunday, the 27th. I had a tradeshow table set up displaying the progress SUNY Delhi and CADI have made with buying local and past programs the Food for Thought committee has sponsored. I tried to connect with more farmers for us to work with. Elizabeth Sova, Ulla Wadner, and culinary student Phil Ricciardi attended the conference as well. The conference gave me some new Farm to Table ideas to look into.
• John Ford and I met with Gary Domalewicz--marketing specialist from the NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets. He is going to help us do a better job of promoting the fact that we buy local by supplying some posters, banners, etc.
• Amber Tatnall and I met with Sue Dapkins and Chris Jones of Delaware Opportunites to discuss plans for the WIC survey project. They gave us a lot of useful information about the WIC program. We decided that the best way to do the one-on-one interview with the WIC participants is to conduct them at the WIC outreach sites. We hope to go to the outreach sites in Delhi, Hobart, and Walton.
• I am still getting responses from people about their past involvement with Farm to School projects, etc. I am going to try and compile and summarize these answers.
• Both Maple Shade Farm and the Turquoise Barn are interested in having students for internships. Lucky Dog Farm is also interested in having student volunteers.

Happy Monday,

Mary