Central Texas Regional Food Summit
Introduction and Welcome
9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Welcome Coffee
Welcome by Jamie Youseff
City Proclamation by Council Member Mike Siegel
County Proclamation by Constable George Morales
Where is the Need?
9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Community Needs Assessment Data
A Fireside Chat/Presentation
This session takes a look at the data, including the recent Community Needs Assessments performed by the Central Texas Food Bank. A quick but deep dive into understanding the food needs of our region.
Dr. Michelle Cohen, Commissioner, Hays County
Rudy Metayer, Council Member, Pflugerville
Dr. Christopher Harvey, Mayor, Manor
Moderator: Tracy Ayrhart, Ph.D., Central Texas Food Bank
Emergency Response
10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Recent floods and the emergencies we see in Central Texas have taught us to prepare and coordinate. This session will look at the examples of our regional Emergency Response and the lessons learned.
Jim Redick, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Austin
Steve Snell, Williamson County, Judge
Sari M. Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank
Moderator: Beth Corbett, Central Texas Food Bank
Food is Medicine
10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Longterm health can start with nutrition. This session looks at the benefits of a healthy diet and the solutions to providing access to healthy options.
Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin Public Health
Elizabeth Polinard, Ph.D., RN, Ascension Texas
Moderator: Bella Kirchner, Central Texas Food Bank
How are we Supporting the Unhoused?
11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Our homeless and unhoused communities in Central Texas need access to nutrition. This session looks at our regional approach and best practices for coordinating the support for these vulnerable populations.
David Gray, City of Austin
Chad Raith, Ascension Texas
Ann Owen, Caritas of Waco
Alan Graham, Community First Village
Moderator: Sari M. Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank
FACT Sheets
Click to download and learn more about food insecurity around us.
CNA Reports
Click to download and learn more about food insecurity around us.