POSTPONED: Food Justice: Creating Equity Through Sustainable Food Systems

**DUE TO THE RISING CONCERNS OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.**Due to the rising concerns of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Food Justice event on Wednesday, March 18 has been cancelled. Following the President's address last night and Governor Ducey declaring a public health emergency in Arizona, we have decided that this is the safest option for everyone involved. Although this is an incredibly difficult decision to make, we are first and foremost committed to our community's safety and wellbeing. We hope to reschedule this event at a later date but do not have any immediate plans to do so just yet, as we are unsure of how the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to develop. With inequity plaguing the community at large, the food justice movement aims to solidify the community's right to grow, sell, and eat healthy foods that are culturally appropriate and economically accessible. This focus on equity in food systems helps to provide a more sustainable future for the earth and workers, bridge gaps between various demographics, and remain respectful to cultural traditions. Join US for our FOOD JUSTICE: CREATING EQUITY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS conference as we discuss topics within this movement, engage with local industry experts, and hear from renowned author of _Farming While Black _and Co-Director and Program Manager of Soul Fire Farm, Leah Penniman. This event, hosted by the Sustainable Food Systems program at Rio Salado College, is the perfect opportunity to contribute to the larger discussion on equity and food justice. Dietetic professionals may earn up to three CPEUs for this event. Maricopa Community College faculty may earn up to three Faculty Professional Growth (FPG) credits for participation in this event. Event Schedule 9:00am - 9:30am: Registration and Networking 9:30am - 10:45am: Keynote Speaker 10:45am - 11:00am: Break 11:00am - 12:00pm: Breakout Sessions 12:00pm - 1:00: Lunch and Closing Remarks SPEAKERS AND BREAKOUT SESSIONS KEYNOTE SPEAKER * Leah Penniman, author of _Farming While Black_ LAND AND FOOD AS TOOLS TO END MASS INCARCERATION * Darren Chapman, _TigerMountain Foundation_ RESTORATIVE, CARBON-NEGATIVE, BIODIVERSITY-POSITIVE FARMING PRACTICE * Joshua Sundberg, _Rio Salado College_ NUTRITION-RELATED HEALTH DISPARITIES * Jessie Green Gruner, _Pinnacle Prevention_ FAITH RESPONSES TO AN UNJUST FOOD SYSTEM PANEL * Rev. Doug Bland, _Arizona Interfaith Power and Light_ * Imam Omar Tawil, _Islamic Community Center of Tempe_ * Eddie Calderon, _Arizona Jews for Justice_ * Souta Calling Last,_ Indigenous Vision_ Special thank you to our sponsors, who have helped make this event possible! Harvest Sponsor: * Prescott College Cultivation Sponsors: * LocalFirst * Giving Tree Cafe Organic Sponsors: * Vitalyst * TigerMountain * AZ Jews for Justice * Islamic Community Center of Tempe * Indigenous Vision * AZ Interfaith Power & Light * Pinnacle Prevention * True Made Foods Seedling Sponsors: * Rhiba Farms * Bon Appetit * MarCo _In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have instituted event health guidelines to protect guests amid the recent COVID-19 outbreak. There have been no domestic travel restrictions at this time, and there is a very low rate of community transmission in the Phoenix area. However, we will be monitoring these details daily. For the safety and wellbeing of all attendees, please practice safe hand washing procedures, use hand sanitizer, disinfect surfaces frequently, avoid touching your face, and follow our "no handshake" event policy._