{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"352: How Event Food Can Feed Communities: The Javits Center Model","description":"When I first toured the Javits Center rooftop farm back in October 2022, I walked past rows of lettuce, herbs, and apple trees on top of a convention center, tasted apples the chef had just brought down from the orchard, and went home with honey from the hives above the show floor. That visit completely changed how I think about what event food can do. Now I\u2019ll be talking with Yashi Dadhich, Director of Energy & Sustainability at the Javits Center, about how a convention center best known for massive trade shows is also growing tens of thousands of pounds of produce on its roof\u2014using it first to feed attendees and staff\u2014and then donating the surplus to help nourish their neighbors. From a one-acre rooftop farm and greenhouse to partnerships with organizations like Rethink Food and local pantries, Javits has built a food donation program that connects: \ufffd Farm-to-table menus for events \ufffd Rescued prepared food and ingredients after events \ufffd Community impact, feeding New Yorkers facing food insecurity \ufffd Sustainability goals, including waste reduction and energy savings For those of us planning meetings and events, this is a powerful blueprint for turning \u201cleftovers\u201d into impact\u2014without sacrificing service, safety, or the bottom line. We\u2019ll talk about: \ufffd How their rooftop farm and kitchens are designed to reduce waste and maximize donation \ufffd What it takes to build strong food-rescue partnerships \ufffd How planners can plug into donation systems when they book a venue like Javits \ufffd Why feeding your community should be part of your event success metrics If you\u2019ve ever looked at what\u2019s left on the buffet and thought, there has to be a better way, you\u2019ll want to join this conversation with Yashi and bring your questions about working with venues on food donation and rescue. What do you want to know about donating event food or partnering with venues on food rescue? ","author_name":"Eating at a Meeting","author_url":"https:\/\/www.eatingatameeting.com\/","html":"