Feast Down East will present the seventh annual Local Food Conference 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Burney Center. The event is designed to bring together all those involved in supporting and growing the local southeastern North Carolina food system.
 
The conference invites local farmers, fishermen, food retailers, restaurants, foodies, food advocates and community leader to come together to seek new ways of improving the local food system.
 
Educational workshops will be held throughout the day on topics such as such as seed saving and irrigation systems, as well as Wilmington’s growing reputation as a food destination. Local chefs will lead cooking demonstrations and advocates and community leaders will present workshops on the formation and functions of local food policy councils.
 
The keynote speaker for the conference, Nancy Creamer from N.C. State University, will present on the role of local food councils in building strong communities.
 
During the lunch period 12:15-2 p.m., attendees will be served a locally sourced meal prepared by UNCW Campus Dining chefs. Feast Down East will also present the annual Agrarian Stewardship Awards, which honor a local chef, farmer and community champion for their contributions to promoting the local food system.
 
From 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Community Foods Expo at the Burney Center lobby. Area nonprofits and businesses will provide information on programs and services benefiting the regional food system. The expo will also include a food drive for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
 
Registration is required. For more information about the Local Food Conference, please visit the conference's website.
 
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