Alaska Food Festival and Conference

The Alaska Food Festival & Conference is the largest food systems gathering in the state, celebrating its 9th edition with a focus on grassroots advocacy, education, and social change. In collaboration with an Alaska-based Indigenous-led nonprofit, the event aims to enhance awareness of Indigenous rights, environmental justice, food sovereignty, and community-led initiatives. The conference will be hosted at the Westmark in downtown Fairbanks, creating a space for diverse discussions and networking opportunities surrounding Alaska's food systems. This biennial event brings together speakers from various sectors of the food system, including agriculture, subsistence, food waste, and school nutrition. Notable past speakers have included representatives from the USDA, American Farm Bureau Federation, University of Alaska, Native American Agriculture Fund, and many others. The conference's goals include increasing public awareness of local food issues, providing training and resources for community engagement, and fostering connections among public entities, food businesses, NGOs, and Tribal organizations to promote local economic development. Highlighted topics at the conference include sustainable practices, food security, and the importance of community in building a better food system. Presentations and workshops by experts such as Caroline Cox, Tiffany Ayalik, and Iris Sutton will share insights on various aspects of food production and community health, emphasizing the role of local food systems in enhancing the well-being of Alaskans. The Alaska Food Festival & Conference promises to be a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and innovative solutions to food-related challenges in the region.