Green Umbrella - 2025 Wasted Food Summit

Reimagining Wasted Food: From Surplus to Solution

Every year, the U.S. throws away nearly 60 million tons of food—almost 40% of what’s produced. Meanwhile, millions face food insecurity every day. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Join us for the Wasted Food Summit, a powerful one-day gathering of changemakers, business leaders, chefs, advocates, and sustainability experts, all working to turn wasted food into opportunity. Whether you’re a business or institution interested in learning about food donation or an individual looking to be part of the solution, this event will equip you with tools, insights, and inspiration to take action.
 

Event Highlights:

• Keynote by Sara Burnett, Executive Director of ReFED and national food waste expert
• Keynote by Chef Alejandra Schrader, award-winning author, chef, food TV personality, and activist
• Stories from local food donors and food rescue champions
• Breakout sessions for businesses and individual advocates
• Practical tips to overcome barriers to food donation
• Networking with peers and leaders in sustainability, food access, and policy
• Optional off-site tours and a post-event Happy Hour at Mellotone Beer Project

Schedule Overview (see speakers below):

7:30–8:30 AM – Optional Off-Site Tour (TBA)
8:30–9:00 AM – Registration + Light Breakfast (coffee sponsored by Deeper Roots Coffee)
9:00–9:30 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30–10:30 AM – Morning Keynote: Sara Burnett, ReFED
10:30–11:30 AM – Plenary Panel: Opportunities & Challenges of Food Donations
11:30–12:00 PM – Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM – Breakout Sessions
     [Track for Businesses] – From Surplus to Strategy: The Business Case for Food Donation
     [Track for Advocates] – Your Voice, Your Impact: Preventing Food Waste Together
1:00–2:00 PM – Afternoon Keynote: Chef Alejandra Schrader
2:00–2:30 PM – Closing Remarks
2:30–4:00 PM – Optional Off-Site Tours (TBA)
4:00–5:00 PM – Post-Summit Networking Happy Hour @ Mellotone Beer Project (1429 Race St)

Who Should Attend?

• Businesses & Organizations: Grocery stores, caterers, restaurants, distributors, institutions, and event planners interested in food donation
• Advocates: Individuals passionate about reducing waste and addressing hunger in their communities

Learn how food donation and rescue can reduce waste, feed people, and strengthen your bottom line—and how everyday advocates can help transform the food system!