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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: Christy Loera, Gabrielino Tongva Tribe

3

9:30 - 9:40 AM

Opening Remarks

Presenter: Amy Rowat, Faculty Director and UCLA Professor, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies

4

9:40 - 9:50 AM

Introduction & Data Gathering Overview

Presenter: Erica Lee, Assistant Director, UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies

5

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: Larry Bethea, Executive Chef 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 South Courtyard

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 Salon

Presenter: Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Leanpath

Presenter: Cara Morgan, Deputy Director, Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance, CalRecycle

11:00 - 11:45 AM

Exploring Innovative Food Hub Models

Hershey Hall Inner Courtyard

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 South Courtyard

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 Inner Courtyard

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

Funding the Future Panel

Presenter: Cara Morgan, Deputy Director, Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance, CalRecycle

Presenter: Steve Finn, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for Leanpath

4:00 - 4:30 PM

Grantwriting Essentials for Small Organizations

Presenter: Cheryl Trinidad

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

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Transportation & Parking

Information on getting to and parking at UCLA. UCLA parking structure 2 is the closest visitor parking to Hershey Hall.

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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.

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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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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

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Expand Your Reach

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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.