Fox Valley Sustainability Network to discuss building a local, resilient and equitable food system Aug. 6

On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Fox Valley Sustainability Network will host a free webinar on "Building a Local, Resilient and Equitable Food System" from 11 a.m. to noon.

The Fox Valley Sustainability Network works on environmental, economic and quality of life issues and projects in and around the Fox Valley.

To register for the webinar, visit www.foxvalleysustainabilitynetwork.com/events.

The webinar will address the future of locally grown food and food systems across the Fox Valley. Topics will include the impact of COVID-19 in relation to food systems, local farmer perspectives, CSA's, indoor farming, Kane County initiatives such as green growers and farmer training, and other avenues for local food access.

Speakers include:

• Katie Palomares, Mighty Greens Farm, discussing operations, market and any changes due to COVID-19.

• Ashley Keller, owner of Fishy Green Organic Farm, discussing operations, market, and any changes due to COVID-19.

• Jason Halm, farm manager at Conservation Foundation's Green Earth Harvest Program, organic farming and the Green Earth Harvest Program.

• Liz Moran, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, local food sources and programs on a state level.

• Janice Hill, Farm, Farmland Protection Manager with Kane County.

"Local and sustainable food systems add value to local communities because it creates and sustains community-based jobs, offers local sources to food and supports local farmers," said Abby Beck, Batavia Fifth Ward Alderwoman and member of the Fox Valley Sustainability Network Core Team.

"These programs enhance the environmental and economic health of the Fox Valley as a whole."

Every year, the Fox Valley Sustainability Network hosts six forums that cover 25 communities in four counties. Forum topics discuss topics that include solar energy, waste reduction, green infrastructure, transportation, plastic pollutants and more.

During the COVID-19 health pandemic, the forums moved to a webinar format to continue the discussion of sustainability. Support from sponsors, including Kane County, Applied Ecological Services, City of Elgin, Village of Montgomery, Elevate Energy, Village of Algonquin and Certasun, have helped make the forums possible.

To learn more, visit www.foxvalleysustainabilitynetwork.com.