Reimagining Wasted Food: From Surplus to Solution
Every year, the U.S. throws away nearly 60 million tons of food—almost 40% of what’s produced. Meanwhile, millions face food insecurity every day. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Join us for the Wasted Food Summit, a powerful one-day gathering of changemakers, business leaders, chefs, advocates, and sustainability experts, all working to turn wasted food into opportunity. Whether you’re a business or institution interested in learning about food donation or an individual looking to be part of the solution, this event will equip you with tools, insights, and inspiration to take action.
Event Highlights:
Keynote by Sara Burnett, Executive Director of ReFED and national food waste expert
Keynote by Chef Alejandra Schrader, award-winning author, chef, food TV personality, and activist
Stories from local food donors and food rescue champions
Breakout sessions for businesses and individual advocates
Practical tips to overcome barriers to food donation
Networking with peers and leaders in sustainability, food access, and policy
Optional off-site tours and a post-event Happy Hour at Mellotone Beer Project
Schedule:
7:30–8:30 AM – Optional Off-Site Tour (TBA)
8:30–9:00 AM – Registration + Light Breakfast
9:00–9:30 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30–10:30 AM – Morning Keynote: Sara Burnett, ReFED
10:30–11:30 AM – Panel: Opportunities & Challenges of Food Donations
11:30–12:00 PM – Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM – Breakouts: Track for Businesses | Track for Individual Advocates
1:00–2:00 PM – Afternoon Keynote: Chef Alejandra Schrader
2:00–2:30 PM – Closing Remarks
2:30–4:00 PM – Optional Off-Site Tours (TBA)
4:00–5:00 PM – Post-Summit Networking Happy Hour @ Mellotone Beer Project (1429 Race St)
About Our Keynote Speakers:
Sara Burnett serves as ReFED’s Executive Director. She provides organizational leadership with direct oversight of ReFED’s programs, operations, and administration, and contributes to the organization’s overall strategic vision. Most recently, she served as Founder and Principal Consultant of Burnett Strategy and Communications, where she helped purpose-driven organizations grow their businesses while driving positive impact. Prior to this, Sara served as Vice President of Food Beliefs, Sustainability, and Public Relations at Panera Bread and Panera Brands for 18 years, where she pioneered the company’s Clean Food Commitment and led both Panera Bread’s Day-End Dough-Nation program as well as the Panera Bread Foundation.
Chef Alejandra Schrader is an award-winning cookbook author, plant-based nutrition advocate, and TV personality who uses food to drive climate action. Her Low-Carbon Cookbook and Action Plan promotes sustainable eating through creative plant-based recipes, and her work has earned her recognition from the UN, World Bank, and EAT Foundation. A MasterChef finalist and fan favorite, Alejandra has cooked for world leaders, spoken at major global summits, and championed food justice, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Her vibrant voice makes the science of food waste accessible and actionable for all.
Who Should Attend?
Businesses & Organizations: Grocery stores, caterers, restaurants, distributors, institutions, and event planners interested in food donation
Advocates: Individuals passionate about reducing waste and addressing hunger in their communities
Learn how food donation and rescue can reduce waste, feed people, and strengthen your bottom line—and how everyday advocates can help transform the food system.
Funding generously provided by SARE. For questions or partnership opportunities, contact Charlie Gonzalez at
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Also check out other Food & Drink events in Cincinnati, Business events in Cincinnati, Nonprofit events in Cincinnati.
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