Network Café Series

On the first Friday of each month, September through April, the NH Food Alliance network hosts an informal and lively conversation with partners across the New Hampshire food system and beyond! Network Café topics often leading to further collaborations and projects; turning talk into action.

What would it take for 30% of the food consumed in New England to be regionally produced by 2030? Join the NH Food Alliance network as we address this question during our 2023-2024 Network Café Series through A Regional Approach to Food System Resilience, a four-volume report of foundational food system data commissioned and released by the New England State Food System Planners Partnership. The report lays out an unprecedented compilation of the most current New England food systems data and frames the data intentionally to inspire conversation and action towards New England producing and consuming more of its own food.

During each Network Café, the lead researcher for each volume of A Regional Approach to Food System Resilience will join us to dig into the data. They will provide a short summary of the volume and answer questions, helping our network of partners utilize the report in strategic planning, fundraising, advocacy, and other work as we continue to build vibrant food systems in New Hampshire and New England.

The New England State Food System Planners Partnership is a collaboration among six state-level food system organizations and Food Solutions New England. Please note that our September Network Café will be held on the second Friday of the month to avoid the Labor Day holiday weekend. If you have questions about our 2023-2024 Network Café Series, reach out to our Communications Coordinator, Colleen Stewart, here

JANUARY 5, 12-1PM | REGISTER HERE

Volume 4 summarizes the work of a team of researchers, led by Holly Fowler of Northbound Ventures, who examined the role of market channels— grocery stores, restaurants, institutions and others— in distributing food to New England consumers and the potential for each market channel to contribute to the goal of consuming 30% regional food products by 2030. Join us for an overview with Holly about what the team learned and for a discussion of the implications for the future of New Hampshire's food system.

The NH Food Alliance’s 2023-2024 Network Café Series will explore A Regional Approach to Food System Resilience, a four-volume report of foundational food system data commissioned and released by the New England State Food System Planners Partnership. The New England State Food System Planners Partnership is a collaboration among six state-level food system organizations and Food Solutions New England. The report lays out an unprecedented compilation of the most current New England food systems data and frames the data intentionally to inspire conversation and action towards New England producing and consuming more of its own food.

For your reference, read Volume 4: Understanding Market Channels and Food Expenditures.

FEBRUARY 2, 12-1PM | REGISTER HERE
New Hampshire has no shortage of organizations and businesses working tirelessly in support of our state's food system. But what would allow these organizations and businesses to work in a more coordinated and strategic way? During our February Network Cafe, we will explore the option of developing a state food system plan as a way to strategically coordinate the work of our network and food system. Julie Stelmaszyk, the Director of Food Strategy for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, will join us to discuss the RI Food Strategy and the Vermont Farm to Plate Strategic Plan, respectively, as models for New Hampshire. For your reference, read the RI Food Strategy and the Vermont Farm to Plate Strategic Plan.

MARCH 1, 12-1PM | REGISTER HERE
Details and description to come!

APRIL 5, 12-1PM | REGISTER HERE
Details and description to come!

Catch up on past Network Cafés! Read summaries and watch recordings of below.