Farm-to-Institution Summit

Farm-to-Institution Summit 📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025 📍 WT Enterprise Center, Amarillo, TX 💲 Free Event

Join producers, food hubs, schools, and community organizations for a one-day summit designed to strengthen regional food systems and expand access to fresh, local foods. Together, we’ll explore the full farm-to-institution pipeline—from sourcing and handling to procurement, delivery, and cafeteria service.

What to Expect:

• Welcome & Opening Remarks (9:00 AM): An introduction to the farm-to-institution model and the summit’s goals of building stronger regional connections.

• Cultivating Producer Partnerships (9:30 AM): Learn how to connect with local farmers, align harvest cycles with institutional needs, and foster lasting partnerships.

• Local Foods Menu Planning & Procurement (10:15 AM): Practical strategies for sourcing, seasonal menu planning, and procurement that support both producers and communities.

• Networking Break (11:00 AM): Light refreshments and time to connect with peers.

• Harvest, Handling & Food Safety (11:15 AM): Best practices for packaging, post-harvest handling, and compliance.

• Lunch Featuring Local Ingredients (12:00 PM): A showcase meal highlighting the bounty of our region.

• Distribution & Delivery Models (1:00 PM): Exploring options from direct drop-offs to aggregation hubs.

• Institutional Readiness (1:30 PM): Preparing schools and institutions to effectively receive, store, and use local foods.

• Closing Panel: Regional Success Stories (2:00 PM): Hear from producers, schools, and food banks about lessons learned and visions for the future.

• Adjourn (3:00 PM): Final reflections and next steps.

This summit is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate with leaders across the food system. Whether you’re a producer, institutional buyer, or community partner, you’ll leave with practical tools and stronger relationships to advance farm-to-institution efforts in our region.