The Food Security Workshop in Palmer on Saturday, February 22nd was a smashing success! An estimated 130 attended, coming from as far as Willow and Anchorage. We had another 1000 people online watching some of the presentations and thousands catching the video since. My goal was that newbies would come and connect with our local experts – and that is exactly what happened! The feedback afterward was tremendously positive. My aide, Eleilia Preston, did a great job coordinating the event. Doing something for the first time is full of unknowns but she hit it out of the park! Huge thanks to the presenters, to the FFA students and coordinators from Palmer High and Palmer Junior Middle Schools, and to the Mat-Su Farm Bureau – you all made the workshop a fabulous success.
Below you can see the great line-up of presenters we had. The program moved along quickly, so there was never a dull moment. The content was so rich throughout the morning that the audience never had a minute to get bored!
Here is some feedback from one of the attendees who also hosted one of the Tabletop Discussions.
Dear Senator Hughes,
First, I would like to say “Thank You” for the invitation of this first and hopefully an annual event.
Second, I spoke to several participants after the event.
- Many enjoyed the main presenters and formed new friendships and networking.
Personal note, many were friends before this event, but just didn’t know about their involvement in food production.
- Many enjoyed the “Speed Table” events, especially when they were able to choose which tables to visit.
Personal observation: having the FFA teenagers with baby lambs was a hit for the children which enabled the parents to engage in deeper discussions with Speed Table Events. All-in-all, the kids had a blast!! TRULY a family event!!!
- I will be more than happy to participate again in another event like this one. If I can not, with advance notice, I may have an individual(s) willing that I have taught to participate in square foot gardening and raising worms.
Last, your staff was OUTSTANDING! Especially Ms. Preston as this “First” event’s coordinator.
She had a wide-range of presenters with varied degrees, size of food production; as well as, topics given by local Mat-Su residents. She communicated often with participants (key item) and asked if we needed anything.
In Conclusion: Senator Shelley Hughes, I can not express how much I see your forward thinking about the safety and security of your constituents in the basics, “Food for Life”.
Blessings to you, family and your staff!
Fr. Randy Hillman
