WHAT: Food lands on our plates via a complex and often invisible web. On May 14th, Ecotrust opens the “black box” of this web, presenting findings from a one-and-a-half-year study to identify obstacles to creating a robust regional food system in the Pacific Northwest. Key players from Burgerville, Whole Foods Market, and Organically Grown Company will join Ecotrust’s Amanda Oborne for a lively discussion about the pain points identified in the study and the bright spots that suggest ways to better serve regional farmers, workers, and eaters. “Black Box” is the third of three Food Forums that bring together topnotch speakers, farmers, food entrepreneurs, and the public to talk about bringing good food to scale.

WHO: Black Box panelists include:
• Amanda Oborne, Vice President, Food & Farms, Ecotrust
• Jeff Harvey, CEO, Burgerville
• Denise Breyley, Pacific Northwest “Forager,” Whole Foods Market
• Natalie Reitman-White, Director of Sustainability, Organically Grown Company

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

WHERE: Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center, Ecotrust Natural Capital Center
721 NW 9th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Portland, OR 97209

PARTNERS: The panel discussion will be followed by Q&A and a lively mixer over drinks provided by Finnriver Farm & Cidery, New Deal Distillery, and Dry Soda, and bites from Whole Foods Market. Black Box is made possible in part by Whole Foods Market, Organically Grown Company, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

TICKETS: $15 per person, includes drinks and bites. Space is limited, so reserve early: https://black-box.eventbrite.com

WEBSITE: https://ecotrust.org/food-forums/
@ecotrust, @wholefoodspdx, #placematters, #foodforums

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