BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260527T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260527T113000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260508T194838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T225603Z UID:10000767-1779876000-1779881400@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Beyond SNAP: Stories and Strategies for Systemic Change DESCRIPTION:The federal government’s decision to withhold SNAP benefits during the Fall 2025 government shutdown revealed the instability and violence of systems never designed to nourish or protect us. As millions of people were left without food support for weeks\, the National Black Food & Justice Alliance (NBFJA)\, a coalition of over 60 Black-led organizations representing hundreds of Black urban and rural farmers\, organizers\, and land stewards\, mobilized mutual aid resources to communities across the U.S. and released the Peoples Statement on the SNAP Halt. Although the federal shutdown ended and SNAP benefits resumed\, the lessons from this moment remain critical for food sovereignty. For many organizers\, farmers\, and land stewards who work with food-insecure communities\, this is not about returning to normal. It’s about continuing to build power that endures beyond state failure. \n\n\n\nWhen our ability to eat depends on political negotiations\, hunger becomes a tool of governance. Hunger IS political violence. The opportunity before us is to not only continue to demand permanent legislative action that safeguards SNAP and guarantees that\, in the future\, benefits continue without lapse and cover all eligible households\, but also to build food and land infrastructures rooted in community control\, mutual care\, and self-determination. Join this session to hear from members of NBFJA as they share stories and strategies to bring about sustainable systemic changes.  \n\n\n\nSpeakers \n\n\n\n\nCicely Garrett\, National Black Food & Justice Alliance\, Co-Executive Director\n\n\n\nDuron Chavis\, Happily Natural\, Farmer\, Founder & Director\n\n\n\nM. Dominique Villanueva\, Fountain Heights Farms\, LLC\, Farmer & Executive of Vision & Strategy\n\n\n\nRyan Tenney\, Sankara Farm\, Farmer & Co-Director\n\n\n\nChris Lemons\, Farmer & Founder Gratitude Botanical Farm\, Director of Operations\, ECO-PARADIGM\, LLC\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders.  URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/beyond-snap-stories-and-strategies-for-systemic-change/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NBFJA_logo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260521T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260521T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260311T144123Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T205640Z UID:10000756-1779368400-1779372000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Gather Round: Member Briefing On Policy Principles DESCRIPTION:Member Briefing On Policy Principles\n\n\n\nJoin us at our regularly scheduled monthly membership meeting\, Gather Round\, to learn all about the new Policy Principles and the Policy Challenge to SAFSF Members. SAFSF’s Policy Program Manager Maggie Mascarenhas will share inspiring examples of how members are already advancing policy advocacy and movement-building in 2025 and beyond. Come share how you are already funding policy advocacy work\, or learn how you can start this journey.  \n\n\n\nThe Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month. \n\n\n\nInterested in SAFSF membership? Email us and explore what membership means for you.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for Gather Round\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-2/ CATEGORIES:Gather Round,Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260513T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260513T130000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260401T230316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T220818Z UID:10000761-1778673600-1778677200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Feeding Health: Why Food and Agriculture Funding Matters for Health Funders DESCRIPTION:This SAFSF-hosted webinar is designed specifically for health-focused funders and investors who are exploring how food and agriculture strategies can strengthen their work on health equity\, prevention\, and community wellbeing. \n\n\n\nAcross the United States\, the health sector is increasingly recognizing what many cultures have long understood: food is foundational to health. However\, food not only impacts what we eat.  The complex realities behind what it takes to produce\, distribute\, and access healthy food – our food systems-  also impact the health of communities at scale.   Recent federal proposals to cut or restrict SNAP benefits and other nutrition assistance programs highlight a deeper vulnerability in the nation’s food and health infrastructure. Addressing diet-related disease\, health inequities\, and rising healthcare costs requires investing upstream in the food system itself. \n\n\n\nDuring this session\, participants will: \n\n\n\n\nExplore how  food systems impact health beyond diet and consumption; \n\n\n\nExamine how SNAP and nutrition program pressures are reshaping the landscape;\n\n\n\nHear a case study of a SAFSF member foundation that has integrated food system strategies into its health portfolio; \n\n\n\nIdentify practical entry points for health funders seeking to move beyond food access programs toward deeper systems change\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will also learn how Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) supports a community of more than 120 funders working at the intersection of food\, agriculture\, climate\, and health. For health funders seeking to address root causes rather than symptoms\, food and agriculture funding offers a powerful and underutilized strategy. \n\n\n\nOpen to all funders! Registration is required. \n\n\n\n\n \n \n Feeding Health: Why Food and Agriculture Funding Matters for Health Funders\n \n "*" indicates required fields \n \n PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.This field is hidden when viewing the formRegisterName*\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Organization*Title*Email*\n \n What's one question you're holding?*Are you a funder?*\n \n Yes\, I am affiliated with a funding organization.\n SAFSF defines funders as staff\, board members\, trustees\, donors\, program officers\, and other professionals from organizations using grantmaking or investments as a core strategy to fulfill their mission.\nThis field is hidden when viewing the formEvent Name\nIt may take longer than expected to process your submission\, please only click submit once. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/why-food-matters-for-health-funders/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/food-recovery.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T110000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260414T164209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T203050Z UID:10000766-1778148000-1778151600@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:SNAP Funder Working Group: Food Restriction Waivers DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health have formed a funder Working Group to coordinate a strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. Recognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group serves as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. Previous Working Group calls have highlighted advocacy\, training\, and technical assistance\, strategic communications opportunities\, and food security data collection opportunities for funders. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group Call will examine the rise of state waivers restricting the type of food that can be purchased with SNAP benefits\, how retailers are navigating these changes\, and what we might learn from the evaluations. To date\, USDA has approved food restriction waivers in 22 states and incentivized waiver applications by tying them to increased funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program. USDA claims that these waivers are meant to “restore nutritional value in SNAP.” However\, five SNAP recipients in Colorado\, Iowa\, Nebraska\, Tennessee\, and West Virginia sued the department in March\, challenging these restrictions as harmful\, unlawful\, and burdensome. \n\n\n\nSpeakers from the National Governors Association\, the National Grocers Association\, and the University of Illinois Chicago will discuss the state-level decision-making process to apply for a waiver\, the impact of these waivers on retailer participation in SNAP\, and the public and private evaluation methods being used to assess whether the restrictions have any meaningful impact on nutrition for participants. The Center for Science in the Public Interest will also share strategic thinking about how they are exploring opportunities to engage in this continuously evolving political climate. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH; if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts on the communities you serve\, this space is for you. \n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\nJoelle Johnson\, MPH\, Deputy Director for Healthy Food Access\, Center for Science in the Public Interest\n\n\n\nJess Kirchner\, Senior Policy Analyst\, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices\, Children and Families Division\n\n\n\nStephanie Johnson\, RDN\, Vice President\, Government Relations\, National Grocers Association\n\n\n\nLisa M. Powell\, Ph.D\, Distinguished Professor\, Health Policy and Administration\, University of Illinois Chicago URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-funder-working-group-food-restriction-waivers/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260506T123000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260403T193154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T195357Z UID:10000764-1778065200-1778070600@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Part 2 — Unlocking Land\, Equity\, and Climate Opportunity: Lessons from the Mobile Basin Heirs’ Property Initiative DESCRIPTION:This two-part webinar series\, featuring leaders at the Center for Heirs’ Property (CHP)\, Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ)\, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)\, will take a deep dive into the topic of heirs’ property as a land title issue and how addressing heirs’ property–through education\, technical assistance\, and legal support–unlocks opportunities for productive land use and opportunities for wealth creation. Heirs’ property is a widespread issue affecting family-owned land across the United States and represents a significant portion of land in the South\, including forests. It disproportionately affects certain communities\, including low-income and Black communities\, due to historical barriers to clear title. Addressing heirs’ property is a critical step in strengthening land tenure\, enabling productive land use\, and supporting the goals of Black Agrarianism. Part 1 covered the original model developed by CHP and its pilot replication/adaptation. \n\n\n\nPart 2 will continue with a focus on how the Mobile Basin Heirs’ Property Support Initiative (MBHPSi) is being implemented on the ground through a network of legal and land-use partners in Mississippi and Alabama. Participants will share how they support landowners—addressing heirs’ property through legal support\, education\, and technical assistance\, while also advancing forestry and agricultural land use where appropriate. The session will highlight how organizations with distinct roles collaborate through a referral-based approach to deliver coordinated support. You are welcome to attend Part 2 even if you could not attend Part 1. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrea’ Barnes\n\n\n\nDirector\, Heirs’ Property Campaign\, Mississippi Center for Justice\nAndrea’ Barnes is a native of Mississippi and an accomplished attorney\,leader\, and public servant. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tougaloo College\, a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School ofLaw. Andrea’s is licensed to practice law in Mississippi. \n\n\n\nAndrea’ currently serves as the Director of the Heirs’ Property Campaign forthe Mississippi Center for Justice\, a non-profit public interest law firm. TheHeirs’ Property Campaign is dedicated to providing legal assistance and community education to families around the state. The Campaign’s mission focuses on helping families preserve ownership of their land and maintaintheir family legacy for future generation. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining the Center\, Andrea’ practiced family law\, estate and probateadministration\, and personal injury litigation. Her professional experiencealso includes service as a law clerk with the Circuit Court of Hinds County\, Mississippi\, a prosecutor with the Hinds County Attorney’s Office\, and as Public Records Officer and Staff Attorney for the Mississippi Department ofCorrections. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her legal practice\, Andrea’ has contributed to legal education as an adjunct professor at Tougaloo College\, where she instructed aspiringlawyers in litigation and trial practice. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Spencer Perkins Center for Reconciliation and CommunityDevelopment\, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and reform. \n\n\n\nAndrea’ is actively involved in numerous professional organizations and associations\, including the Mississippi Bar\, Magnolia Bar\, Metro BlackWomen Lawyers Association\, among others. She has received multiple accolades and recognition from both the profession and community. \n\n\n\nAs an entrepreneur\, businesswoman\, and attorney by training\, Andrea’ is widely regarded as a servant leader whose life and work reflects a steadfast commitment to faith\, integrity\, and justice. \n\n\n\nIn her spare time\, Andrea’ enjoys spending quality time with her family\, gardening\, and traveling. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFreddie Davis\n\n\n\nRural Training and Research Center Director\, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund\nFreddie Davis III serves as the dedicated Director of the Rural Training and ResearchCenter at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund in Epes\, Alabama. With over twenty years of experience as a registered forester\, he is committed to addressing urgent forestry issues at the nexus of social\, environmental\, and industrial considerations across rural and urban sectors. Mr. Davis takes considerable pride in his work in his home state of Mississippi\, striving to establish and strengthen forestry connections for rural and urban landowners. \n\n\n\nOriginally from Sturgis\, Mississippi\, Director Davis graduated in Forestry fromMississippi State University. He has over 20 years of experience as a RegisteredForester and is a certified arborist. With more than ten years of forestry management and procurement experience at two Fortune 500 companies\, he is dedicated to fostering partnerships with community\, public\, and private organizations to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. His work makes him a driving force for change in forestry and environmental conservation. Freddie’s work guarantees that nonindustrial private forests prosper for future generations\, maintaining a balance between economic and ecological goals. \n\n\n\nFreddie’s mission: Making forest land ownership financially feasible for smallnonindustrial private landowners. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeron Lacey\n\n\n\nForestry Consultant\, Limited Resources Landowner Education Assistance Network (LRLEAN)\n\nIn 2021\, Deron joined LRLEAN as a Forestry Consultant. Since then\, Deron has been traveling across Alabama\, advocating for forest stewardship and its crucial role in land retention. His experiences in forestry began on his family’s 200 acre farm in rural Fayette County Alabama\, working with his family to plant\, care for and harvest timber. He worked with the Alabama Forestry Commission for over two decades\, fighting wildfires\, working with volunteer fire departments and helping landowners with the practical management of forested property. That experience gave him the confidence to work with all landowners throughout the state of Alabama and gave him a lot of the tools necessary to envision how forestry\, properly done\, can support families and also expand the forest industry. Outside of work\, he is passionate about mission work and volunteering. His personal interests include foraging\, hiking\, photography\, and music-making\, activities that allow him to continuously connect with nature and creativity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFarah Majid\n\n\n\nAssistant Director of Advocacy\, Legal Services Alabama\n\nFarah Majid is currently the Assistant Director of Advocacy at Legal Services Alabama. She began working with Legal Services Alabama in 2012. Since that time\, she has been a Staff Attorney in the Huntsville and Mobile offices. She was the Consumer Lead Attorney from 2015 – 2018. She has also been the Managing Attorney of the Birmingham Office and the Rural Coordinating Project Attorney\, focused on increasing advocacy efforts in Alabama’s rural areas. She currently serves in a statewide role and is based in Birmingham. As part of her current role\, she supervises LSA’s statewide grants and projects\, such as the Heir Property project. She graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2011. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennie L. Stephens\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nCEO\, Center for Heirs’ Property\nJennie L. Stephens\, Ph.D.\, is a native of Walterboro\, SC\, and an accomplished executive leader with deep expertise in nonprofit management\, advocacy\, and community development. She has successfully secured over $25 million in funding\, driven policy reforms\, and established strategic partnerships to promote land preservation\, economic equity\, and social justice. \n\n\n\nAs the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Heirs’ Property since 2006\, Jennie has expanded the organization’s budget from $150K to $12M\, developed a replicable nonprofit model used in six states\, and secured $25M in federal and foundation funding to expand the Center’s impact and build a national heirs’ property alliance. Her leadership has empoweredhistorically under-resourced landowners with the legal and financial tools needed to protect and sustain their property. \n\n\n\nJennie’s expertise extends into academia as an Adjunct Professor at Mercyhurst University\, where she taught grant writing and program development. She is also a published author\, with her work featured in academic journals\, ABA publications\, and documentary films\, includingGaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land and America’s Forests in South Carolina. She has served on numerous boards and committees\, including the American Forest Foundation Board of Directors (current) and the USDA Equity Commission Agriculture Subcommittee (2022-2024). She has been honored as a TEDx speaker\, a BALLE Fellow\, and a Charleston RegionalBusiness Journal 40 Under 40 Award recipient. \n\n\n\nJennie holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University\, a Master’s in Public Administration\, and a B.S. in Business Administration(Accounting). Beyond her professional work\, Jennie is an avid baker who enjoys experimenting with new recipes for her family and coworkers. Her passion is to help people prosper in every area of their lives through leadership\, advocacy\, and community engagement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nT’arie Todman\n\n\n\nCommunity Outreach Specialist\, Winston County Self Help Cooperative\n\nT’arie “T” Todman leads with exceptional compassion and imparts her wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge to individuals who need it the most. After completing her doctorate in pharmacy from Hampton University in 2004\, she served as a military officer pharmacist in the US Army. Later\, she worked as a community pharmacist for eleven years. However\, her passion for community outreach eventually led her to expand her idea of service\, and in 2015\, a significant career change ensued. Todman joined the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) as a farmer and community outreach specialist\, where she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of America’s most vulnerable population. At the WCSHC\, Todman is committed to the cooperative’s mission to “Help Save Rural America.” In fact\, Todman returned to school to meet a real community need and earned a Master’s in Nutrition. She has helped the cooperative increase the number of farmers\, landowners\, and cattlemen they serve through her work. She focuses on educating individuals on programs and services that can assist with the community’s longevity. These services include technical assistance\, education on health and nutrition\, credit repair\, housing\, succession planning\, and more. Todman’s dedication to her work is evident in everything she does\, including being a wife\, mother of three\, and Gigi to two. If you want to learn more about her work or get in touch with her\, you can reach her at ttodman@wcshc.com. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar series is open to all. We especially encourage you to join if you are:  \n\n\n\n\nAttending the SAFSF Forum in Savannah\, Georgia. This series will provide critical regional context.  \n\n\n\nA funder interested in land ownership\,  economic development\, and working lands.\n\n\n\nA policymaker focused on agriculture\, land use\, or property rights.\n\n\n\nA member of the public interested in learning more about heirs’ property.\n\n\n\n\n\nPart 2 Recording\n\n\n\nSummary Notes URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/part-2-unlocking-land-equity-and-climate-opportunity-lessons-from-the-mobile-heirs-property-support-initiative/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mississippi-Land-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260429T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260429T120000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260403T193110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T195125Z UID:10000763-1777460400-1777464000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Part 1 — Unlocking Land\, Equity\, and Climate Opportunity: Lessons from the Mobile Basin Heirs’ Property Initiative DESCRIPTION:This two-part webinar series\, featuring leaders at the Center for Heirs’ Property (CHP)\, Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ)\, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)\, will take a deep dive into the topic of heirs’ property as a land title issue and how addressing heirs’ property–through education\, technical assistance\, and legal support–unlocks opportunities for productive land use and opportunities for wealth creation. Heirs’ property is a widespread issue affecting family-owned land across the United States and represents a significant portion of land in the South\, including forests. It disproportionately affects certain communities\, including low-income and Black communities\, due to historical barriers to clear title. Addressing heirs’ property is a critical step in strengthening land tenure\, enabling productive land use\, and supporting the goals of Black Agrarianism. \n\n\n\nPart 1 will explore the heirs’ property model developed\, tested\, and implemented by CHP over the past 21 years. It will also examine how this model was implemented in the Mobile Basin region of Mississippi and Alabama through a partnership with WWF\, founding funder Kimberly-Clark\, and International Paper—aligning CHP’s interest in testing model replication with WWF\, Kimberly-Clark’s\, and International Paper’s goals of supporting forests\, and addressing underlying factors contributing to persistent poverty\, including heirs’ property. This effort also aligned with the Mississippi Center for Justice’s expansion of its heirs’ property work\, establishing it as a key legal partner in the region. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndrea’ Barnes\n\n\n\nDirector\, Heirs Property Campaign\, Mississippi Center for Justice\n\nAndrea’ Barnes is a native of Mississippi and an accomplished attorney\,leader\, and public servant. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree fromTougaloo College\, a Master of Business Administration from Jackson StateUniversity and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School ofLaw. Andrea’s is licensed to practice law in Mississippi. \n\n\nAndrea’ currently serves as the Director of the Heirs’ Property Campaign forthe Mississippi Center for Justice\, a non-profit public interest law firm. TheHeirs’ Property Campaign is dedicated to providing legal assistance andcommunity education to families around the state. The Campaign’s missionfocuses on helping families preserve ownership of their land and maintaintheir family legacy for future generation. \n\n\nPrior to joining the Center\, Andrea’ practiced family law\, estate and probateadministration\, and personal injury litigation. Her professional experiencealso includes service as a law clerk with the Circuit Court of Hinds County\,Mississippi\, a prosecutor with the Hinds County Attorney’s Office\, and asPublic Records Officer and Staff Attorney for the Mississippi Department ofCorrections. \n\n\nIn addition to her legal practice\, Andrea’ has contributed to legal educationas an adjunct professor at Tougaloo College\, where she instructed aspiringlawyers in litigation and trial practice. She has also served on the Board ofDirectors for the Spencer Perkins Center for Reconciliation and CommunityDevelopment\, further demonstrating her commitment to communityengagement and reform. \n\n\nAndrea’ is actively involved in numerous professional organizations andassociations\, including the Mississippi Bar\, Magnolia Bar\, Metro BlackWomen Lawyers Association\, among others. She has received multipleaccolades and recognition from both the profession and community. \n\n\nAs an entrepreneur\, businesswoman\, and attorney by training\, Andrea’ iswidely regarded as a servant leader whose life and work reflects a steadfastcommitment to faith\, integrity\, and justice. \n\n\nIn her spare time\, Andrea’ enjoys spending quality time with her family\,gardening\, and traveling. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennie L. Stephens\, Ph.D.\n\n\n\nCEO\, Center for Heirs Property\n\nJennie L. Stephens\, Ph.D.\, is a native of Walterboro\, SC\, and an accomplished executive leader with deep expertise in nonprofit management\, advocacy\, and community development. She has successfully secured over $25 million in funding\, driven policy reforms\, and established strategic partnerships to promote land preservation\, economic equity\, and social justice. \n\n\nAs the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Heirs’ Property since 2006\, Jennie has expanded the organization’s budget from $150K to $12M\, developed a replicable nonprofit model used in six states\, and secured $25M in federal and foundation funding to expand the Center’s impact and build a national heirs’ property alliance. Her leadership has empoweredhistorically under-resourced landowners with the legal and financial tools needed to protect and sustain their property. \n\n\nJennie’s expertise extends into academia as an Adjunct Professor at Mercyhurst University\, where she taught grant writing and program development. She is also a published author\, with her work featured in academic journals\, ABA publications\, and documentary films\, includingGaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land and America’s Forests in South Carolina. She has served on numerous boards and committees\, including the American Forest Foundation Board of Directors (current) and the USDA Equity Commission Agriculture Subcommittee (2022-2024). She has been honored as a TEDx speaker\, a BALLE Fellow\, and a Charleston RegionalBusiness Journal 40 Under 40 Award recipient. \n\n\nJennie holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University\, a Master’s in Public Administration\, and a B.S. in Business Administration(Accounting). Beyond her professional work\, Jennie is an avid baker who enjoys experimenting with new recipes for her family and coworkers. Her passion is to help people prosper in every area of their lives through leadership\, advocacy\, and community engagement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKerry Cesareo\n\n\n\nSenior Vice President\, Forests and Freshwater\, World Wildlife Fund\n\nKerry Cesareo\, senior vice president for forests and freshwater\, leads a portfolio of strategic initiatives in pursuit of WWF’s goal to conserve the world’s most important forests and freshwater ecosystems—for nature\, climate\, and people. This includes investing in forest conservation\, management\, and restoration as essential means of mitigating climate change; restoring and replenishing wetlands and river basins; implementing nature-based solutions with Indigenous peoples and local communities; and reducing the impacts of unsustainable logging\, agriculture\, unsustainable water management\, and infrastructure. \n\n\nKerry previously led WWF’s forest markets work\, launching the North American program of the Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) and forging partnerships with Fortune 500 companies on environmentally responsible supply chains for wood and paper products. She has also managed global operations for GFTN as well as the start-up of the Sustainable Forest Products Global Alliance\, a public-private partnership with the US Agency for International Development. She has served as cochair of the board of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-US\, a certifier of forestry best practices that WWF helped found in 1994. \n\n\nKerry first began working on forest issues during a summer partnering with First Nations on Vancouver Island\, British Columbia\, as they prepared for their inaugural timber harvest through a newly formed company\, Iisaak Forest Resources. The creation of Iisaak and its commitment to FSC had helped to end decades of conflict among environmentalists\, First Nations\, and logging companies in Clayoquot Sound. Iisaak received FSC certification in 2001 and inspired Kerry’s career. \n\n\nPrior to joining WWF\, Kerry worked as an environmental scientist\, a forest inventory researcher\, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer\, and a US PIRG field manager. She received a BS in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn brief\, Part 1 will cover the original model developed by CHP\, and its pilot replication/adaptation\, and Part 2 will be a conversation with partners on the ground – a “theory to practice” sequence.  We encourage registrants to attend both parts. The key points speakers will cover are: \n\n\n\n\nContextualizing heirs’ property as a land title issue and the Center for Heirs’ Property Model\n\n\n\nWhy and how the model was implemented in the Mobile Basin and other areas in the South\n\n\n\nHow addressing heirs’ property supports productive land use\, economic opportunity\, and  Black Agrarianism\n\n\n\n\nSee details for Part 2\, on May 6\, here! \n\n\n\nThis webinar series is open to all. We especially encourage you to join if you are:  \n\n\n\n\nAttending the SAFSF Forum in Savannah\, Georgia. This series will provide critical regional context.  \n\n\n\nA  funder interested in land ownership\,  economic development\, and working lands.\n\n\n\nA policymaker focused on agriculture\, land use\, or property rights.\n\n\n\nA member of the public interested in learning more about heirs’ property.\n\n\n\n\n\nPart 1 Recording\n\n\n\nSummary Notes URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/part-1-unlocking-land-equity-and-climate-opportunity-lessons-from-the-mobile-heirs-property-support-initiative/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mississippi-Land-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T100000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260403T192446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T172434Z UID:10000765-1777021200-1777024800@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Voter Insights: Special Battleground Report on Food and Health DESCRIPTION:This session is co-hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)\, the Farm to Fork Initiative\, and the From Now on Fund.  \n\n\n\nWith funding support from the Farm to Fork Initiative and the From Now on Fund\, Navigator Research recently surveyed 1\,200 likely voters in 2026 House and Senate battleground races to understand which policies these constituents believe will make Americans healthier\, and which food and ag issues they think Congress should address. \n\n\n\nThis nonpartisan research revealed that battleground voters prioritize food safety and science-backed health information nearly as much as lowering healthcare costs\, showing strong support for banning food toxins and boosting local agricultural supply chains. Additionally\, these constituents are highly concerned about protecting nutrition programs like SNAP and school lunches. \n\n\n\nJoin this funder-only briefing to hear directly from Navigator Research Managing Director Melissa Toufanian\, who will explore key polling insights that can inform how we build power and educate policymakers in the lead-up to the midterm elections and beyond. \n\n\n\nThis session is open to all funders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMelissa Toufanian\n\n\n\nManaging Director\, Navigator Research\n\nMelissa Toufanian is the Managing Director of Navigator Research\, where she leads the development and distribution of effective messaging and polling on the issues that matter most to the American public. She previously served at the U.S. Department of State during the Biden administration as Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary. She helped lead the Climate in Foreign Policy Project at the UN Foundation and was Communications Director for a 2018 red-to-blue House race. Melissa served within the Obama administration in several roles supporting the Secretary of State and State Department spokesperson. A native of upstate New York\, Melissa holds an M.S. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from George Washington University. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/voter-insights-special-battleground-report-on-food-and-health/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260416T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260416T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260311T145137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T004407Z UID:10000759-1776344400-1776348000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Gather Round on Membership Findings: Survey Insights For A Changing Time DESCRIPTION:For this month’s Gather Round\, we explore what’s emerging across the SAFSF membership at this moment of rapid change. “Funder organizing” is often discussed—but what does it actually take to mobilize philanthropic and impact capital for real food systems transformation? Drawing on insights from SAFSF’s member surveys over the past two years\, we’ll share how funders are thinking about impact\, systems change\, and collaboration. This session is designed to spark reflection and dialogue—offering a window into what peers are prioritizing and how we can more effectively work together to meet the moment. \n\n\n\nThe Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month. Email membership@safsf.org if you have any issues accessing the call. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for Gather Round\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-4/ CATEGORIES:Gather Round,Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260331T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260331T110000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260310T152443Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T194950Z UID:10000755-1774951200-1774954800@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:SNAP Funder Working Group: Food Security Data Collection DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health have formed a funder Working Group to coordinate a strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. Recognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group serves as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. Previous Working Group calls have highlighted advocacy\, training\, and technical assistance\, and strategic communications opportunities for funders.  \n\n\n\nOur upcoming Working Group Call will focus on data collection opportunities following USDA’s decision to terminate the Economic Research Service’s (ERS) Household Food Security Survey. For more than 30 years\, this survey provided the nation’s most consistent measure of food security\, shaping our collective understanding of the drivers of food insecurity and informing key food and nutrition policy decisions. No existing data source offers the same level of insight\, and its loss will make it harder to assess the impacts of H.R. 1’s SNAP cuts. Experts from the Capital Area Food Bank\, Healthy Eating Research\, and the Urban Institute will discuss why continued data collection—using consistent methods and metrics—matters and how funders can support this work.  \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH; if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts on the communities you serve\, this space is for you. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-funder-working-group-food-security-data-collection/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260326T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260326T130000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260225T195542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T154530Z UID:10000749-1774526400-1774530000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Maximize Your Membership DESCRIPTION:Maximize Your Membership is an orientation webinar for SAFSF members\, new and veteran! If you are new staff at a new or long-time SAFSF member organization\, have not engaged in SAFSF programming or member benefits yet yourself\, want a refresher on all that is available to you as a SAFSF member organization\, or just want to connect\, join us! \n\n\n\nThis quarterly membership call features our newest SAFSF members  – help us welcome them into this community. Join Clare Fox\, Executive Director\, and Holly Hanes\, Membership Manager\, for a deep dive into all things SAFSF\, including: \n\n\n\n\nCelebrating & sharing your membership internally and externally;\n\n\n\nMember Perks – including the annual Forum\, exclusive offerings\, and Learning Communities; \n\n\n\nHow to access your SAFSF benefits; \n\n\n\nSAFSF Professional and Leadership Development Pathways; \n\n\n\nTools and resources available to you; \n\n\n\nEvent Previews \n\n\n\n\nThis energizing conversation will excite you for the quarter ahead and expose you to one (or many!) benefits of membership that you were not utilizing to help in maximizing your SAFSF experience. Meet other members\, learn the SAFSF processes\, and get engaged! This event is a free\, SAFSF member only event. Interested in SAFSF membership? Email us. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this program\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/maximize-your-membership-3/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/315796b3-2f37-e31b-b026-37d8c833ffa5-1-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260325T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260325T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260305T141948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T021349Z UID:10000754-1774443600-1774447200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Health Funders Learning Community Call DESCRIPTION:Join us for the first Health Funders Learning Community call of 2026. \n\n\n\nHealth funders are navigating urgent community asks in an increasingly unstable policy and economic landscape. This session is designed as a connection and sense-making space for SAFSF members funding at the intersection of health\, agriculture\, and food systems. \n\n\n\nTogether\, we will move beyond high-level language and explore what “deploying capital” really means right now — including how members are thinking about payout levels\, multi-year commitments\, general operating support\, advocacy funding\, and state-level strategies. \n\n\n\nThis conversation will be grounded in on-the-ground realities from participants’ regions and is intended to support practical peer exchange as we launch the 2026 quarterly series. \n\n\n\nThis is an SAFSF member-only call. If you are interested in exploring membership\, please contact membership@safsf.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this learning community\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/hflc2/ CATEGORIES:Learning Community,Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-recovery.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260324T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260324T103000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260220T165725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T173435Z UID:10000748-1774342800-1774348200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Food Policy Councils: Food justice\, democracy\, and civic engagement DESCRIPTION:Co-sponsored by Community Food Funders\, New York Health Foundation\, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers\, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders \n\n\n\nOrganizing and activating networks for policy changes are hallmarks of a healthy democracy. In this moment\, food policy councils (FPCs) are responding to federal funding freezes\, harmful federal food system policies\, and communities in crisis. Their ability to address community needs on the ground and in collaboration with their local representatives can help communities weather challenges at the federal level. Strong FPCs also create stable political structures that outlast changes in administrations.  \n\n\n\nFood systems are complex and interconnected\, and driving change requires collaboration and cooperation across sectors\, geographic boundaries\, and political ideologies. FPCs have served as convening bodies that promote civic engagement and provide platforms for communities to advocate for healthy\, just\, and sustainable food systems. With approximately 300 FPCs across the country\, serving communities large and small\, they bring together diverse actors to influence policy in their communities. \n\n\n\nWhile FPCs have been around for decades\, their prominence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic\, largely due to their success in meeting communities’ rapidly evolving food system needs. Findings from Johns Hopkins’ Center for a Livable Future’s 2021 census found that 82% facilitated connections across food systems sectors\, 76% advocated for policy changes\, and 50% collaborated with government staff or elected officials to secure funding for food system services. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a deep dive on the work of FPCs. By highlighting the critical work they do\, and some of the challenges they face\, funders will come away from this webinar with actionable strategies to support and engage with FPCs near them.  \n\n\n\nLearn\n\n\n\n\nMeet two national organizations providing technical assistance and funding to food policy councils nationwide.\n\n\n\nLearn about food policy councils and the critical roles they play in advancing health\, equity\, and civic engagement around food.\n\n\n\nDiscover tools to connect with councils in NJ\, NY\, and CT. \n\n\n\nHear stories from local FPCs about how they’re responding to the shifting federal food policy landscape\, deepening their equity work\, and inspiring civic engagement in their communities.\n\n\n\n\nThis event is designed for funders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/food-policy-councils-food-justice-democracy-and-civic-engagement/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NJFDC-mtg-for-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260225T210005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T142644Z UID:10000753-1773925200-1773928800@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Gather Round: In This Moment: Regional Insights  from Across Our Membership DESCRIPTION:In this Moment: Regional Insights  from Across Our Membership \n\n\n\nThe Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month. \n\n\n\nAcross the SAFSF network\, members are responding to federal shifts and funding uncertainty by leaning into local\, state and regional alignment and place-based collaborative capital strategies. In this month’s Gather Round\, we will discuss regional trends in the SAFSF membership and how funders are coordinating across funding needs within their respective communities. Whether you are a regional or place-based funder or simply want to learn about what’s happening on the ground across the country\, this month’s discussion will offer a space to reflect on the importance of regionality in food systems. Come prepared to share about how regionality shows up in funding food systems at your organization. This month’s Gather Round is a precursor to a regional networking event that will be virtually hosted by SAFSF next month as a way to deepen funding partnerships within your region.   \n\n\n\nCome ready to listen\, learn and share. \n\n\n\nInterested in SAFSF membership? Email us and learn more. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for Gather Round\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round/ CATEGORIES:Gather Round,Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260309T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260309T110000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260220T162410Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T140832Z UID:10000747-1773048600-1773054000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Funding Narrative Power 101: From Communications to Systems Change DESCRIPTION:Blue Sky Funders Forum\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group\, Funders for Regenerative Agriculture\, Grantmakers in Health\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders\, and The Funders Network. \n\n\n\nWho gets to shape how society understands health and harm\, what is true and trustworthy\, what is possible\, who belongs and who is deserving? In a time when concentrated power holders control the media landscape but popular uprising is growing\, conversations about the environment; health; and politics have never been more polarized. The competition for narrative power is taking center stage\, but how do narratives gather power in the first place? \n\n\n\nPlease join us for a 90 minute interactive workshop with your funding peers that will provide: \n\n\n\n\nSimple frameworks to understand what narrative power building is and what it practically means to fund narrative infrastructure \n\n\n\nAn appreciation for how different aspects of narrative work reinforce one another and an understanding of the role for collaborative\, cumulative and/or complementary funding \n\n\n\nInsights on how funding can support an ‘influence loop’ that leads individuals to take action\, rather than more passive communications strategies that can have limited impact \n\n\n\nIndividual and small group reflection to sharpen what role you and your colleagues are interested in playing\, where you may want to invest in the future\, and how you may need to create internal “buy in” for narrative work at your organizations \n\n\n\n\nFolks who are funders or consultants in philanthropy are welcome to participate in the workshop regardless of whether your organization has ever funded narrative and communications work. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend for the full 90 minutes. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/funding-narrative-power-101-from-communications-to-systems-change/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ConservationPolicyClimate.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260304T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260304T143000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260212T212007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T165823Z UID:10000744-1772629200-1772634600@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Making Values-Based Procurement Work: Lessons from the Georgia ACRE Collective DESCRIPTION:Join the Food Systems Leadership Network\, The Common Market\, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders for a 90-minute webinar highlighting lessons from the Georgia ACRE Collective\, a place-based\, collective-impact model that coordinated partners and investments across the supply chain to unlock new markets for farmers while delivering on values-driven purchasing goals. \n\n\n\nRather than focusing on a single intervention\, this session will explore how multiple aligned organizations worked together – from farm infrastructure and technical assistance to forward commitments and institutional partnerships – to build the conditions for success. \n\n\n\nSpeakers will share: \n\n\n\n\nA concise overview of the Georgia ACRE Collective model\n\n\n\nOn-the-ground realities from a participating farmer\n\n\n\nReflections on the role of philanthropy in supporting durable\, place-based food system change\n\n\n\nActionable takeaways for funders and practitioners interested in replication or adaptation\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is designed for funders\, investors\, and food system leaders seeking practical insight into aligned capital\, shared risk\, and collaborative strategies that lead to durable impact. We are excited to share this conversation alongside SAFSF members The Common Market and The Conservation Fund\, and the full constellation of partners who made the Georgia ACRE Collective possible. This webinar sets the stage for deeper learning about food systems in Georgia at the 2026 SAFSF Forum in Savannah\, Georgia\, June 22–25. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/making-values-based-procurement-work-lessons-from-the-georgia-acre-collective/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PBPNGreenhouseTourGroup03.KCForum2022-e1741917182338.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260227T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260227T113000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260209T152108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T195437Z UID:10000742-1772186400-1772191800@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Withstanding the Assault: Strategies for Philanthropy to Support Frontline Organizations and the Communities Most Impacted DESCRIPTION:Even the most pessimistic among us were not adequately prepared for this past year’s multi-pronged federal attack on the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged farmers\, new immigrants\, SNAP recipients\, and the organizations that advocate for these diverse communities and the ecosystems that we depend on. These challenges have been ratcheted up in 2026\, with a farm economy spiraling toward crisis and skyrocketing food insecurity compounded by ICE activities in Minneapolis and other cities. This webinar\, organized by the Food & Farm Democracy Initiative (FFDI)\, is an opportunity for funders to hear from frontline organizations\, some that are focused on policy advocacy and others that are addressing the hardships created by this Administration. One year in\, panelists will share how their organizations and communities are responding to support farmers\, ranchers\, and families and how they are anticipating what comes next. These panelists\, as well as leaders from the FFDI founding organizations (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition\, RAFI\, Red Clover Collaborative\, and Regenerative Agriculture Foundation)\, will also ground-truth how philanthropy can effectively respond to this reality.  \n\n\n\nIn addition to FFDI\, this webinar is co-sponsored by the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders\, Health & Environment Funders Network\, Rural Climate Partnership\, and the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn Benedict \n\n\n\nFarmer\, Desert Sky Produce \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoe Hollomon\n\n\n\nMidwest Farmers of Color Collective \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohnElla Holmes\n\n\n\nKansas Black Farmers Association \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHannah Kinney Smith\n\n\n\nPasa Sustainable Agriculture URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/withstanding-the-assault-strategies-for-philanthropy-to-support-frontline-organizations-and-the-communities-most-impacted/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/farmgrainbins.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260210T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260210T120000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20260109T165910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T211246Z UID:10000731-1770721200-1770724800@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:SNAP Strategy Funder Working Group: Strategic Communications Opportunities DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health are forming a funder Working Group to coordinate a strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. The Working Group is an actionable response to insights shared by field leaders in a SNAP-focused webinar last October.  \n\n\n\nRecognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group will serve as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. We will organize three meetings to start and then assess next steps. The first two Working Group calls highlighted advocacy opportunities and training and technical assistance opportunities.  \n\n\n\nOur upcoming Working Group Call will focus on strategic communications opportunities. Elizabeth Wenk\, Principal and Managing Director\, and Nick Seaver\, Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Training Programs at Burness\, will share new insights from message testing about SNAP that highlights messaging that moves audiences\, insights on which arguments resonate and counter opponents\, and how different groups respond to these messages. The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) Food\, Agriculture\, and Rural Economies team will also share what they are hearing from state legislators advocating for SNAP\, and how funders can support state policymakers’ efforts to protect the program. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH; if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts on the communities you serve\, this space is for you.  \n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\nAlabama State Senator Merika Coleman (D-19)\n\n\n\nElizabeth Wenk\, Principal and Managing Director\, U.S.\, Burness\n\n\n\nNick Seaver\, Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Training Programs\, Burness\n\n\n\nJennie Day-Burget\, Senior Communications Officer\, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation\n\n\n\nState Innovation Exchange (SiX) Food\, Agriculture\, and Rural Economies team URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-strategy-funder-working-group-strategic-communications-opportunities/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20250414T183111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T203206Z UID:10000685-1766062800-1766066400@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call: Reflecting on 2025 DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month.  \n\n\n\nWhat a year 2025 has been! As the year comes to a close\, how are you making sense of the losses and the gains? How has the year changed and challenged you and your work? Join us for the last Gather Round to reflect on how far we have come and what we hope the next year will bring.  \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings\, and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access.  URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-december/ CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T130000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20250131T173106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T195902Z UID:10000661-1765886400-1765890000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Maximize Your Membership Q4 DESCRIPTION:Maximize Your Membership is an orientation webinar for SAFSF members\, new and veteran! If you are new staff at a new or long-time SAFSF member organization\, have not engaged in SAFSF programming or member benefits yet yourself\, want a refresher on all that is available to you as a SAFSF member organization\, or just want to connect\, join us! \n\n\n\nThis quarterly membership call features our newest SAFSF members  – help us welcome them into this community. Join Clare Fox\, Executive Director\, and Holly Hanes\, Senior Membership Associate\, for a deep dive into all things SAFSF\, including: \n\n\n\n\nCelebrating & sharing your membership internally and externally;\n\n\n\nMember Perks – including the annual Forum\, exclusive offerings\, and Learning Communities; \n\n\n\nHow to access your SAFSF benefits; \n\n\n\nSAFSF Professional and Leadership Development Pathways; \n\n\n\nTools and resources available to you; \n\n\n\nEvent Preview \n\n\n\n\nThis energizing conversation will excite you for the quarter ahead and expose you to one (or many!) benefits of membership that you were not utilizing to help in maximizing your SAFSF experience. Meet other members\, learn the SAFSF processes\, and get engaged! This event is a free\, SAFSF member only event. Interested in SAFSF membership? Email us. (membership@safsf.org) URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/maximize-your-membership-q4/ CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/315796b3-2f37-e31b-b026-37d8c833ffa5-1-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T120000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20250724T163147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T174812Z UID:10000702-1765364400-1765368000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:December Health Funders Learning Community Call DESCRIPTION:Join us for our last Health Funders Learning Community call of the year on December 10 at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET. This call is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow SAFSF members funding at the intersection of health\, agriculture\, and food systems\, and engage in a meaningful discussion around specific challenges in funding health solutions.2025 marked the start of a crisis that will continue to play out over many years. We will see ripple effects of the Trump administration’s decisions to cut thousands of staff positions at federal agencies like HHS\, EPA\, and USDA\, slash billions in public health funding\, and sign into law unprecedented changes to programs like Medicaid and SNAP. During the last Health Funders Learning Community call of 2025\, we will reflect on this year’s key lessons that can carry us into 2026 with more clarity and strength.  \n\n\n\nThis is a SAFSF member-only call. If you are interested in exploring membership\, please contact our membership team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this learning community\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/december-health-funders-learning-community-call-2/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-recovery.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T083000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251107T180821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T031254Z UID:10000724-1764831600-1764837000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Reimagining Food in Prisons: Opportunities for Funders and Advocates DESCRIPTION:This event is hosted by Community Food Funders and co-sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders. \n\n\n\nFood insecurity is often seen as a challenge faced outside of institutional walls\, but for millions of incarcerated individuals\, access to nutritious\, diverse\, and quality food remains a critical issue. In prisons across the Northeast\, food serves not only as sustenance but as a reflection of human dignity\, health\, and opportunity for rehabilitation. Yet\, many facilities still struggle with outdated systems that fail to recognize the importance of nutrition\, cultural relevance\, and community voice. \n\n\n\nAt this upcoming webinar\, you will hear from leading organizations working to reshape the food landscape within carceral facilities. Experts will present insights and data to help frame the issue\, and then share innovative strategies\, policy reforms\, and community-led initiatives aimed at improving the quality and diversity of food served. \n\n\n\nAddressing food inequities in prisons is a powerful entry point to advancing racial justice and promoting holistic community health. By investing in food justice within correctional systems\, we can nurture a more humane and equitable approach that benefits individuals\, families\, and communities across the region. \n\n\n\nJoin us to deepen your understanding of this often hidden issue. Together we can help forge a future where food in prisons reflects not just nutritional standards\, but values of dignity\, diversity\, and justice. \n\n\n\nLearn\n\n\n\n\nExamine the intersection of food justice\, racial equity\, and human rights within the criminal justice system.\n\n\n\nExplore how current prison food systems reflect larger issues of racial and economic injustice\, and the role funders can play in fostering meaningful change.\n\n\n\nHear firsthand from organizations leading efforts to incorporate local\, sustainable ingredients\, promote food justice\, and empower marginalized communities affected by incarceration.\n\n\n\nUnderstand the barriers faced by groups working to improve food offerings in correctional facilities\, and how they are being addressed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Capers\, Sweet Freedom Farm\n\n\n\n\nGrowing up in a food desert\, Michael was only able to understand food as a tool for survival. Over time\, Michael started to see food for what it truly is\, a tool to heal and resist. Through his work as a farmer\, activist\, and community bridge builder at Sweet Freedom Farm\, he seeks to give marginalized people\, including prisoners\, agency in defining their own health through education\, opportunity\, and access. Michael became active in the food justice movement while he was serving his 14-year prison sentence. He doubled down on his efforts immediately after his release in February of 2022. Since his release\, Michael has worked towards creating a food justice network that can expand his overall impact. Michael has helped to pioneer the bring back care packages movement\, speaking about it in interviews and publishing an article about it. He has worked with the Sing Sing Family Collective; RAPP (Releasing Ageing People in Prison campaign); All Of Us; Vocal-NY; Kites Nest; Center for Community Alternatives\, and the Shared Plate Fun. As a bridge-builder\, Michael created a panel discussion series to highlight the struggles of formerly incarcerated people and has been hosting farm stands at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He attends rallies and protests; advocates to senators and assembly members; while continuing to write and speak about the issues he cares about. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBritt Florio\, Program Manager\, Farm to Institution New England\n\n\n\n\nBrittany Florio (she / her) is the program manager at Farm to Institution New England. In this role\, Britt managing program development\, outreach\, and communications to catalyze change in the dynamic farm to institution movement. She has been working in the food system since 2010. Prior to her work at FINE\, Britt co-owned a regenerative herb and vegetable farm business in the Hudson Valley\, New York. After leaving the farm life\, she worked at UMass Amherst as the Sustainability Coordinator for UMass Dining and as an adjunct faculty member\, teaching Sustainability Science. Britt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts\, Amherst. In her free time\, Britt loves fermenting foods\, kayaking\, foraging\, and making wild flower bouquets. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJalal Sabur\, Sweet Freedom Farm\n\n\n\n\nIn 2010\, Jalal began farming with Wassaic Community Farm – growing produce for farmers markets while running a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and gleaning project. While at Wassaic Community Farm Jalal co-founded the Freedom Food Alliance and the Victory Bus Project. The Freedom Food Alliance is a collective of small rural and urban farmers\, activists\, artists\, community folks and political prisoners who use food as an organizing tool. The Alliance founded the Victory Bus Project to connect urban and rural communities and to support families of prisoners by providing transportation (along with a box of farm-fresh food) for folks visiting prisoners in the Hudson Valley. In 2013\, Jalal started Sweet Freedom Farm in Germantown\, NY\, to continue the work of the Alliance. Sweet Freedom Farm is growing and distributing vegetables\, grains\, herbs\, and maple syrup\, prioritizing the folks affected by the incarceration system. Sweet Freedom is also a training site for young BIPOC farmers\, a gathering space for partnering projects in the alliance\, and building a Grow Food\, Not Prison movement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennifer Scaife\, Executive Director\, Correctional Association of New York\n\n\n\n\nJennifer joined CANY as Executive Director in 2018. She previously held positions at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice\, the San Francisco Adult Probation Department\, and the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. Jennifer started her career as Program Director at Prison University Project (now Mount Tamalpais College) running the day-to-day operations of a college program at San Quentin State Prison in California. Jennifer holds a BA from the College of William and Mary\, an MA from Hollins University\, and an MFA from Indiana University Bloomington. She has taught creative writing workshops in prisons\, jails\, juvenile detention facilities\, and community arts studios. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeslie Soble\, Senior Program Manager\, Food In Prison\, Impact Justice\n\n\n\n\nLeslie Soble (she/her) manages the Food in Prison Project and is the lead author of Impact Justice’s national report\, Eating Behind Bars: Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison. An ethnographer and folklorist\, she has spent over five years immersed in research on the carceral eating experience and its impacts on individuals\, communities\, and the environment. In her current role\, she oversees the organization’s initiatives at the intersection of food and incarceration.Beyond Impact Justice\, Leslie is the founder and artistic director of Story Soup\, a project that creates contexts for dialogue across cultural and generational borders through food and narrative. Her ongoing academic research focuses on food as a cultural text\, aesthetic domain\, and site of performance. Leslie also serves as a teaching artist with various DC-based arts programs and has over a decade of experience designing and facilitating cultural competency workshops to explore identity\, systems of oppression\, and intercultural/intergenerational communication. \n\n\n\nLeslie holds an MA in cultural sustainability from Goucher College\, with a focus on the intersection of foodways\, narrative theory\, and social practice art\, and received her BA in gender studies from Brown University\, where her course of study focused on grassroots movements for social change. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/reimagining-food-in-prisons-opportunities-for-funders-and-advocates/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sweet-Fredom-bags-for-web-copy-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T110000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251104T223455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T160104Z UID:10000723-1764669600-1764673200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:SNAP Strategy Funder Working Group: Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health are forming a funder Working Group to coordinate a strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. The Working Group is an actionable response to insights shared by field leaders in a SNAP-focused webinar in October. \n\n\n\nRecognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group will serve as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. We will organize three meetings to start and then assess next steps. The first Working Group call highlighted advocacy opportunities.The second Working Group call will explore how funders can support training and technical assistance for state agencies navigating significant and sudden changes in how SNAP operates\, including assessing the factors influencing error rates and technology solutions to reduce them. Tim Shaw\, Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative at the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\, will also provide a status update on state action and responses to H.R. 1 requirements.The third Working Group Call will focus on opportunities to support strategic communications. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH – if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts for your communities\, this space is for you. Please register below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor\, Financial Security Program\n\n\n\nAs the Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor for the Financial Security Program\, Tim works to advance promising policies that address the most pressing financial security challenges facing people in America. Working with leaders across levels of government\, Tim and Aspen FSP’s Benefits team seek to provide policy\, nonprofit\, and market leaders with the innovative ideas\, research\, and networks of leaders they need to design and enact policies that help people weather financial shocks and comfortably afford everyday life. \n\n\n\nBefore joining the Aspen Institute\, he was an Associate Director for Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. While there\, he was the policy lead for BPC’s Paid Family Leave Task Force and led projects on economic opportunity\, retirement security\, and fiscal policy. Prior to that work\, he was a tax and budget staffer at the Government Accountability Office. His work has been featured in numerous publications\, including the Washington Post\, Politico\, and the Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nTim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-strategy-funder-working-group-training-and-technical-assistance-opportunities/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T123000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251028T195250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T142349Z UID:10000721-1764586800-1764592200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action - Session 3 DESCRIPTION:This funder series is organized by The Funders Network\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with ClimateMAX\, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn just a few months\, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars\, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs\, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away. \n\n\n\nBut despite these fierce federal headwinds\, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration\, partnership and frontline resilience. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action. \n\n\n\nThese webinars will bring together funders\, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration\, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources\, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 3: Rising from the Ashes: Collaboration & Innovation Advance Strategies that Work \n\n\n\nWe will end the series with a discussion of the work and key strategies moving forward to build collaborative efforts that will drive solutions that advance energy affordability\, resilience in the face of growing climate disasters\, and health and safety. We will acknowledge the issues at stake in the context of mid-term elections and upcoming state legislative sessions. The final session also will spotlight ways that philanthropy is mobilizing to support work in communities. And it will highlight funder initiatives that model collaboration and partnership\, urging funders to lean in and get involved. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nMaria Doerr\, Program Officer\, Rural Climate Partnership\n\n\n\nByron Gudiel\, Executive Director\, Center for Earth\, Energy and Democracy\n\n\n\nJacqueline Patterson\, Founder and Executive Director\, Chisholm Legacy Project\n\n\n\nAiko Schaefer\, Executive Director\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates! URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/federal-headwinds-frontline-resilience-understanding-the-impacts-opportunities-for-action-session-3/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Federal-Headwinds-Webinar-Series-Fall-2025-4_eMTR.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T140000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20250414T183007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T183009Z UID:10000684-1763643600-1763647200@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month.  \n\n\n\nWe want to hear what’s top of mind for you\, what you are wrestling with\, and what topics you want to explore deeper. Each call will have a different topic. \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings\, and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access.  URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-november/ CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T133000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251015T154219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T162239Z UID:10000716-1763553600-1763559000@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Why Regenerative Producers Still Can’t Get Credit and How Integrated Capital Can Close the Gap DESCRIPTION:Despite evidence to the contrary\, regenerative farmers\, ranchers\, and producers more broadly are often labeled as “too risky” by conventional lenders—not because of their actual performance\, but because they fall outside the structures that define creditworthiness in industrial agriculture. This webinar\, first presented at the 2025 SAFSF Forum\, will reframe the conversation around risk: What is real risk in ag lending\, and what’s just a byproduct of broken systems? \n\n\n\nSpeakers will examine how conventional lenders’ failure to offer patient\, flexible capital options for regenerative producers is hindering the regeneration of a resilient and sustainable food system. Rather\, the emergence of innovative\, mission-driven lenders and investors who are reviving relationship and opportunity-based models is making it possible to put soil health on the balance sheet. \n\n\n\nSpeakers will also explore the emergence of loan guarantees—one of the most effective tools for unlocking credit where traditional underwriting falls short. Lenders have fewer ways to assess risk because regenerative producers often operate without subsidies\, crop insurance\, or conventional benchmarks\, lenders have fewer ways to assess risk. Guarantees help close that gap\, giving lenders a backstop and making it possible to finance operations that are sound but structurally excluded. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders. Join us for a conversation about risk\, reward\, and what it will take to truly finance regeneration. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRECORDING\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLinda Jo Doctor\, Program Officer\, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (moderator)\n\n\n\nLinda Jo Doctor is a program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek\, Michigan. In this role\, she helps develop programming priorities\, reviews and recommends proposals for funding\, manages and monitors a portfolio of active grants\, and designs and implements national programming. She co- leads the Foundation’s efforts to promote equitable\, sustainable and nourishing food systems. Previously\, Ms. Doctor was deputy director for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Program Office housed at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She also directed the Division of Prevention at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health\, where she provided leadership for statewide health promotion and prevention programs\, interagency initiatives\, and national efforts. Ms. Doctor received her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health She recently completed her studies and received a Masters of Philanthropic Studies from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati\, College of Community Services. She currently serves on the board of directors of ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZach Ducheneaux\, 5th C LLC\, Founder\n\n\n\nZach Ducheneaux was a third generation rancher\, and Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council prior to accepting a role as the Farm Service Agency Administrator in 2021. Since January of 2025 he’s been bringing an investment approach to production agriculture to revitalize rural economies and preserve family farms and ranches. His company\, 5th C LLC will match investors with agriculture producers in a manner that shares profits\, shares risk\, and shares opportunity more equitably with the producer. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLauren Manning\, Executive Director\, Food System 6\n\n\n\nLauren Manning\, Esq.\, LL.M.\, is Executive Director of Food System 6\, a nonprofit working to accelerate the transition to a just and restorative food system by expanding access to capital. Before FS6\, Lauren was a venture capital investor with agrifood-tech focused AgFunder while also raising grass-fed beef\, lamb\, and goat meat as part of a farmer collective in NW Arkansas for 10 years. She began her career as a civil litigator handling a broad range of cases including toxic torts and pharmaceuticals. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/why-regenerative-producers-still-cant-get-credit-and-how-integrated-capital-can-close-the-gap/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/animals.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T123000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251028T194758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T222545Z UID:10000720-1763377200-1763382600@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action - Session 2 DESCRIPTION:This funder series is organized by The Funders Network\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with ClimateMAX\, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn just a few months\, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars\, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs\, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away. \n\n\n\nBut despite these fierce federal headwinds\, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration\, partnership and frontline resilience. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action. \n\n\n\nThese webinars will bring together funders\, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration\, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources\, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for the Series\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 2: Communities Leading & Protecting to Overcome Headwinds\n\n\n\nThis session will provide a deeper understanding of how communities are overcoming these rollbacks\, including impacts to programs intended to develop clean energy and economic opportunities for limited wealth and historically underinvested communities. \n\n\n\nWe’ll look at how communities are currently adapting and adjusting and create space for small-group breakouts\, so funders can hear directly from groups on the ground about their ongoing work. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nJessica Boehland\, Senior Program Officer\, The Kresge Foundation\n\n\n\nLogan Burke\, Executive Director\, Alliance for Affordable Energy\n\n\n\nPaul Getsos\, Special Project Director\, United Today\, Stronger Tomorrow\n\n\n\nRahwa Ghirmatzion\, Senior Policy Fellow\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates! URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/federal-headwinds-frontline-resilience-understanding-the-impacts-opportunities-for-action-session-2/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Federal-Headwinds-Webinar-Series-Fall-2025-4_eMTR.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T100000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251029T203250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T212215Z UID:10000722-1763110800-1763114400@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:SNAP Strategy Funder Working Group: Advocacy Opportunities DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health are forming a funder Working Group for a coordinated\, strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. The Working Group comes as an actionable response to insights shared by field leaders in a SNAP-focused webinar earlier in October. \n\n\n\nRecognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group will serve as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. We will organize three Working Group meetings to start and then assess next steps. \n\n\n\nThe first call will focus on opportunities for funders to support and engage in policy advocacy to protect SNAP on a federal and state level. In addition to connecting with peers\, funders will hear from Joel Berg\, CEO of Hunger Free America\, who will provide a policy landscape update from D.C.\, and Joey Hentzler\, Program Manager at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger\, who will share about MAZON’s policy engagement and rapid response funding. \n\n\n\nUpcoming Working Group Calls will focus on opportunities to support training and technical assistance and strategic communications. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH – if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts for your communities\, this space is for you. Please register below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoel Berg\, CEO of Hunger Free America\n\n\n\nJoel Berg is CEO of Hunger Free America\, a nationwide anti-hunger 501c3 advocacy and direct service organization. He is also an internationally-recognized book author\, researcher\, media spokesperson\, and thought leader in the fields of domestic hunger\, food systems\, poverty\, national service\, and American politics. \n\n\n\nAccording to The Nation magazine\, under Joel’s direction\, the group “grew in one of the leading direct service and advocacy organizations on hunger and poverty” in the country. He currently oversees work of more than 50 diverse employees and a 44-person\, nationwide\, AmeriCorps VISTA team. \n\n\n\nHe has appeared on Morning Joe\, All In with Chris Hayes\, NBC Nightly News\, The Beat with Ari Melber\, NPR\, CNN\, Marketplace\, Fox News\, PBS Newshour\, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart\, Hardball\, PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton\, and the Kudlow Report. He’s also been quoted in outlets such as The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, New York Daily News\, New York Post\, The Guardian\, El Diario\, BET.com\, USA Today\, and The Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nJoel authored two books: All You Can Eat: How Hungry Is America?\, and America We Need to Talk: a Self Help Book for the Nation\, which Nobel Prize-winner Toni Morrison called “important and entertaining.” Joel previously served for eight years in the Clinton Administration in senior executive service positions at including USDA\, including Coordinator of Community Food Security. \n\n\n\nFrom 1989 to 1993\, he served as a policy analyst for the Progressive Policy Institute and as a domestic policy staff member for then President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team. He holds a BA from Columbia University \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoey Hentzler\, Program Manager at Mazon\n\n\n\nJoey Hentzler is the Program Manager for MAZON. He leads and implements the organization’s grantmaking strategy and works to support state grantee partners to build their advocacy capacity and achieve their anti-hunger policy goals. He holds two undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas in Political Science and Latin American Studies. Joey started political organizing with fellow college students in 2011 to push back against radical cuts to public education and the social safety net in Kansas. Most recently\, he helped lead grassroots campaigns in his hometown to stop county jail expansion and to achieve comprehensive Sanctuary City ordinance. Before joining MAZON\, Joey served as Director of Advocacy at Kansas Appleseed leading state-level advocacy campaigns focused on food safety net\, foster care\, and juvenile justice reform. He worked with MAZON during the 2018 Farm Bill fight to successfully protect SNAP by pressuring Kansas’s key Congressional leaders on agriculture and food policy. Throughout his career in his beloved Kansas\, the state motto has become a mantra for Joey: Ad astra per aspera. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-strategy-funder-working-group-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251113T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251113T133000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251006T224300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T224620Z UID:10000714-1763035200-1763040600@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Pathways for Industry and Agriculture to Reduce N2O Emissions from Synthetic Fertilizer DESCRIPTION:This webinar is hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and co-hosts Climate and Energy Funders Group and Health and Environmental Funders Network. \n\n\n\nSynthetic nitrogen fertilizer is essential to modern agriculture\, but it is often overlooked in climate conversations and remains an underrecognized driver of climate change. \n\n\n\nNitrous oxide (N₂O)\, released during both the production and application of fertilizer\, is nearly 300 times more potent than CO₂\, with emissions. Today\, the U.S. is the world’s fourth-largest producer of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. By 2030\, domestic production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers is expected to quadruple. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a webinar to explore key findings from “Nitrous Oxide: A Hidden Threat\,” a new report produced by McKnight Foundation and Regenerative Agriculture Foundation. The report’s four authors highlight common-sense solutions to reduce N₂O emissions that center farmers and cross-sector collaboration. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of how agriculture and climate partners can help catalyze action toward ambitious 2035 and 2050 reduction goals. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecording\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTenzin Dolkar\, Senior Program Officer\, McKnight Foundation (moderator)\n\n\n\n\nTenzin Dolkar (Dolkar) is a program officer with the McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate & Energy program\, where she works to shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s climate initiatives\, aligning McKnight’s equity goals. Prior to McKnight\, Dolkar served as a climate advisor to the City of Minneapolis through a Natural Resources Defense Council partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. From 2016 to 2018\, Dolkar served as a senior policy advisor to Governor Mark Dayton on transportation and agriculture. \n\n\n\nDolkar holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in social work from the University of St. Thomas. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMike Badzmierowski\, Manager\, U.S. Agricultural Policy\, World Resources Institute\n\n\n\n\nDr. Mike Badzmierowski is the Manager for U.S. Agricultural Policy at World Resources Institute. His role is to research and provide guidance on practices and strategies best suited to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. \n\n\n\nMike’s research has focused on soil carbon and nitrogen and related greenhouse gas emissions with an emphasis on ensuring data quality. He earned his PhD in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech where he continued as a postdoctoral researcher. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island. \n\n\n\nOutside his professional pursuits\, Mike loves to stay active and is an avid explorer. He has a goal to see all of the U.S. National Parks. When Mike is not on the move\, he loves finding amazing food! Break the ice and reach out to him about your favorite dish (and where he can try it) or feel free to be direct about talking how we can best achieve greenhouse gas reductions in agriculture! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCourtney Bernhardt\, Research Director\, Environmental Integrity Project\n\n\n\n\nCourtney is Co-Director of Environmental Integrity Project’s Center for Environmental Investigations and leads EIP’s team of dedicated analysts. She manages EIP’s public databases and analyzes and visualizes data to inform and support EIP’s advocacy efforts. She joined EIP in 2013 after earning a Master of Environmental Management and a certificate in geospatial analysis from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Before then\, she spent several years working on CERCLA and CWA lawsuits as a paralegal at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. She also holds a B.A. in public policy from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScott Faber\, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs\, Environmental Working Group\n\n\n\n\nScott Faber leads Environmental Working Group’s government affairs efforts to reform food\, farm\, water and chemical safety policies. Faber is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPatrick Molloy\, Principal\, Ammonia & Fertilizers\, Rocky Mountain Institute\n\n\n\n\nPatrick is a principal with RMI’s Climate-Aligned Industries Program\, where he leads workstreams focused on ammonia and fertilizers\, hydrogen infrastructure\, and hydrogen system innovation. He focuses on deployment potential\, system design\, market evolution\, and potential for disruption in next-generation traded markets. Patrick has been widely cited on next-generation technology emergence with particular focus on hydrogen applications in the industrial space. Previously\, he worked with RMI’s Business Renewables Center\, focusing on tax equity structures and PPA deal structures. Additionally\, as part of RMI’s mining team\, he led work on mine site remediation of on-site renewable resource development. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Muller\, Executive Director\, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation\n\n\n\n\nMark Muller serves as the executive director at the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation. He came to RAF in March 2020 after spending over 20 years working on related issues including agricultural conservation\, Midwest water quality\, racial equity in the food system\, and effective federal food and agricultural policy. \n\n\n\nMark served as director of the Mississippi River program at the McKnight Foundation\, and prior to that he directed the Food & Community Fellows program at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. He also spent two years teaching high school in New York City and 18 months volunteering in Honduras and Guatemala. He and his spouse and three children live in south Minneapolis. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/pathways-for-industry-and-agriculture-to-reduce-n2o-emissions-from-synthetic-fertilizer/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/N20-Report-Cover-1-1200x1561-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T110000 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251007T203537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T202722Z UID:10000715-1762768800-1762772400@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice Alumni Circle DESCRIPTION:The Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice (IFSCoP) is a learning and relationship-building cohort for funders interested in advancing support for Native-led food systems work. Developed by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders\, First Nations Development Institute\, and Melvin Consulting PLLC\, this program brings funders together to engage directly with Indigenous leaders\, deepen understanding of structural and philanthropic barriers in Indian Country\, and build more effective strategies for supporting Native food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture.  \n\n\n\nAlumni of the Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice are invited to join a virtual gathering to share updates and experiences engaging in Indigenous food systems work.  \n\n\n\nThis virtual gathering is open only to past IFSCoP participants\, but stay tuned for more information about a new cohort launching in 2026! URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/november-indigenous-food-systems-community-of-practice-alumni-circle/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/heic:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9372-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T094500 DTSTAMP:20260605T153823 CREATED:20251023T195348Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T195700Z UID:10000718-1762765200-1762767900@www.agandfoodfunders.org SUMMARY:Safeguarding Medicaid and SNAP in the Wake of H.R. 1 DESCRIPTION:As H.R. 1 begins to reshape the landscape of safety programs\, charitable foundations face a pivotal moment. The legislation delivers sweeping tax cuts to corporations and high-income earners—while dramatically reducing funding for essential programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts threaten the well-being of millions of families\, children\, and seniors\, and shift the financial burden to already overstretched state and local governments. \n\n\n\nNow more than ever\, philanthropic organizations must act swiftly and strategically to mitigate harm. A key opportunity lies in supporting states as they navigate urgent administrative and implementation challenges—ensuring vulnerable populations don’t fall through the cracks. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a timely funder briefing with: \n\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan\, Senior Director\, Digital Benefits Network at Georgetown’s Beeck Center\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative at the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\n\n\n\n\nTogether\, they will share efforts of the Digital Benefits Leadership Council\, a civic tech initiative designed to preserve and improve access to public benefits\, and how foundations can support efforts to reduce benefits loss for millions in the short term and leverage this moment to modernize the benefits delivery infrastructure for the future. \n\n\n\nThis program is for grantmakers who work for a qualifying philanthropy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan\, Senior Director\, Digital Benefits Network\, Georgetown’s Beeck Center\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan (she/her) is a Senior Director at the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University\, where she researches and advises on advancing design\, data\, and technology for accessible and equitable delivery of public benefits. Ariel leads the Digital Benefits Network to support practitioners in current and near term challenges in public benefits delivery and envisioning future policies\, services\, and technologies. She also serves on the Beeck Center’s leadership team. \n\n\n\nAriel is a leader in service design\, digital product development\, and organizational strategy. She has worked in the private\, nonprofit\, and public sectors to drive change and deliver impactful solutions. Previously\, she served in the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity where she founded the nation’s first municipal service design studio and managed a portfolio of best-in-class digital products to connect and deliver services. Most recently\, she was the Director of Civic Innovation at Sidewalk Labs\, where she led the strategy for inclusive participation in the social infrastructure of cities. \n\n\n\nShe holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Integrated Design from Parsons School of Design. She is based in Brooklyn\, New York. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative\, Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\n\n\n\nAs the Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor for the Financial Security Program\, Tim works to advance promising policies that address the most pressing financial security challenges facing people in America. Working with leaders across levels of government\, Tim and Aspen FSP’s Benefits team seek to provide policy\, nonprofit\, and market leaders with the innovative ideas\, research\, and networks of leaders they need to design and enact policies that help people weather financial shocks and comfortably afford everyday life. \n\n\n\nBefore joining the Aspen Institute\, he was an Associate Director for Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. While there\, he was the policy lead for BPC’s Paid Family Leave Task Force and led projects on economic opportunity\, retirement security\, and fiscal policy. Prior to that work\, he was a tax and budget staffer at the Government Accountability Office. His work has been featured in numerous publications\, including the Washington Post\, Politico\, and the Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nTim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/safeguarding-medicaid-and-snap-in-the-wake-of-h-r-1/ CATEGORIES:Webinars ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR