Closing the Circle 2025: From Excess to Access
Join us for a Food Recovery Conference – October 17th 2025, UCLA Hershey Hall
Join us for the Food Recovery Conference, part of Los Angeles Good Food Week. Presented in association with the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, FoodCycle, End Hunger LA, the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, and supported by the USDA SARE program, this gathering will bring together national speakers, local experts, and food recovery leaders to explore how surplus food can transform our food system. Learn innovative strategies to reduce waste, strengthen local food networks, and promote equitable access to nutritious food—while building the partnerships needed for a more sustainable, resilient future.
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Closing the Circle

Let’s reimagine surplus as a resource for resilience and sustainability.

A Collaborative Community Event
UCLA Hershey Hall: 801 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Join us for a dynamic conference exploring the role of surplus food in driving regional food systems change. Bringing together food recovery organizations and community leaders, this event will highlight innovative strategies to reduce food waste, strengthen local food networks, and promote equitable access to nutritious food. Let’s reimagine surplus as a resource for resilience and sustainability - together.
Building community resilience through local food systems.
Featured Speakers
Paula Daniels
Executive Director of the LA County Office of Food Systems
Paula will present on "The Critical Role of Collaboration in Changing Our Food System" and share insights from her extensive experience in food policy development.
Dr. Kayla de la Haye
USC Associate Professor of Psychology and Spatial Sciences
Dr. de la Haye will demonstrate how Geographic Information Systems can inform food surplus funding decisions and improve distribution networks.
Dr. Vetri Nathan
UCLA Associate Professor in The Department of European Languages and Transcultural Studies
Dr. Nathan will explore "The Importance of Connecting with Food" through cultural and transcultural perspectives.
Lisa Johnson
US Department of Agriculture, SARE program 
Lisa K. Johnson, Ph.D., is an independent consultant and leading expert in on-farm food loss research, partnering with global organizations to develop practical tools, protocols, and strategies that reduce fruit and vegetable losses while supporting food producers.
Steve M. Finn
Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Leanpath
Steve Finn is the Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Leanpath and a university lecturer, recognized globally for his leadership in food waste prevention, sustainable food systems, and education.
Morning Conference Schedule
1
8:30 - 9:15 AM
Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
Start your day with refreshments and connect with fellow attendees.
2
9:15 - 9:30 AM
Land Acknowledgement
Presenter: Rebecca Robles, Puvungna Representative
3
9:30 - 9:45 AM
Introduction & Data Gathering Overview
Presenter: Erica Lee, Assistant Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
4
10:00 - 10:45 AM
Systems in Balance: Reducing Food Loss from Farm to Fork Panel Discussion
Moderator: Ana-Alicia Carr, Director of Policy & Coalitions, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Panelist: Lisa Johnson, US Department of Agriculture, SARE program 
Panelist: Florence Simpson, Deputy Director, Food Services, Los Angeles Unified School District
Panelist: Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Leanpath
Panelist: David Valdez, MSN, RN, Project Manager of Community Affairs, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Panelist: Bonny Bentzin, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, UCLA Sustainability
Mid-Morning Breakout Sessions
11:00 - 11:45 AM
Harvesting Solutions: Integrating Agriculture into Food Recovery Systems
Hershey Hall Salon
Presenter: Lisa Johnson, US Department of Agriculture, SARE program 
Presenter: Kristen Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Food Forward
11:00 - 11:45 AM
From Policy to Practice: The Evolution of Food Recovery
Hershey Hall Seminar Room
Presenter: Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Leanpath
11:00 - 11:45 AM
Exploring Innovative Food Hub Models
Hershey Hall Meeting Room
Moderator: Nina Angelo, Community Exchange Manager, Hollywood Food Coalition
Moderator: Nancy Beyda, Director, FoodCycle
Conference Schedule (Continued)
1
12:00- 12:45 PM
Using Local Food Systems Data to Address Food Surplus and Food Needs
Presenter: Dr. Kayla de la Haye, USC Associate Professor of Psychology and Spatial Sciences
2
12:45 - 1:45 PM
Lunch
Enjoy a meal while networking with fellow attendees.
3
1:45 - 2:15 PM
Stronger Together: Partnerships Power Food Systems Change
Presenter: Paula Daniels, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Food Systems
4
2:15 pm - 2:45 PM
Determining Our Shared Vision: Good Food for All Agenda
Presenter: Alba Velasquez, Executive Director of Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Early Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Dive deeper into key topics with our specialized working groups, fostering collaboration and focused discussion.
3:00 - 3:45 PM
Institutional Food Waste Working Group
Hershey Hall Salon
Presenter: Deja Thomas, Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Community Initiatives, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Explore strategies and solutions for reducing food waste within large institutions. Discuss best practices and collaborative opportunities.
Urban Agriculture Working Group
Hershey Hall Seminar Room
Presenter: Valeria Velazquez, Director, Programs & Innovation, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Join a discussion on the role of urban farming in sustainable food systems and community access.
Los Angeles Food Recovery Alliance
Hershey Hall Meeting Room
Presenter: Tonya McClendon, Associate, Strategic Partnerships, Los Angeles Food Policy Council
Collaborate on building stronger alliances to enhance food recovery efforts and community resilience.
Late Afternoon & Evening Events
1
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Panel Discussion: Funding the Future
Break Room: Grant Writing Workshop
2
4:30 - 5:00 PM
A Multispecies Paradigm-Shift in Our Food Relationships
Presenter: Dr. Vetri Nathan, UCLA Associate Professor
3
5:00 - 6:00 PM
From Surplus to Solutions: Discuss your organizational needs and resources with fellow conference participants
Presenter: Erica Lee, Assistant Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
4
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Upcycled Happy Hour
Upcycled Happy Hour
Join us for an evening of networking and creative refreshments featuring innovative dishes crafted from rescued food ingredients.
Mingle with industry leaders, sustainability experts, and fellow attendees while enjoying signature cocktails and appetizers that showcase the culinary possibilities of reducing food waste.
Location: UCLA Hershey Hall Garden Terrace
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Community Updates
Latest News
Conference Blog
Stay updated with the latest news, speaker insights, and behind-the-scenes content from Closing the Circle 2025.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help make Closing the Circle 2025 a success by joining our volunteer team.
Transportation & Parking
Information on getting to and parking at UCLA. UCLA parking structure 2 is the closest visitor parking to Hershey Hall.
Thank You for Being Part of Closing the Circle 2025!
Working together to harness food surplus, develop innovative solutions, and build partnerships that address food insecurity while promoting equitable access to nutritious food for all communities.
Get Involved & Connect
Join Our Community
Working together to harness food surplus, develop innovative solutions, and build partnerships that address food insecurity while promoting equitable access to nutritious food for all communities.
Thank You for Being Part of Closing the Circle 2025!
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Interactive Conference Tools
  • Digital agenda builder to customize your conference experience
  • Networking platform to connect with speakers and attendees
  • Live polling during sessions
  • Resource sharing hub for presentations and materials
  • Community message board for ride sharing and meetups
Sponsor "Closing the Circle 2025"
Join us in supporting the Food Recovery Conference on October 17 at UCLA, a cornerstone event of Los Angeles Good Food Week. This gathering unites national speakers, local experts, and food recovery leaders dedicated to solutions that reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and promote equitable access to nutritious food.
Showcase Your Commitment
Demonstrate your dedication to sustainability and a resilient food system.
Prominent Recognition
Gain visibility across event materials and programming.
Expand Your Reach
Connect with a diverse audience of leaders and change-makers.
Our Esteemed Partners & Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizations that make "Closing the Circle 2025" possible. Their commitment to a sustainable and equitable food system is invaluable.
Interested in joining our network of supporters? Become a sponsor and help us drive meaningful change.
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2023-38640-39572 through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number FLW24-006. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.