Keynote Panel: Beyond Waste: The Power of Collaboration in Food Rescue and Organic Farming

This keynote panel explores how farms, food rescue organizations, researchers, and community programs are working together to build a more sustainable and equitable food system. Jessica Wynne and Maureen Kirkpatrick highlight the collaboration between Pfenning’s Organic Farm and Second Harvest, showcasing practical models for surplus recovery, waste reduction, and circular-economy farming. 

Dr. Sadaf Mollaei adds insight from her research on sustainable eating behaviours, food environments, and the business of food, offering evidence-based strategies for system-wide change.

Community FEWD founder Yasi Zorlutuna brings the community perspective, transforming donated and surplus ingredients into ready-to-eat meals for families across Guelph facing food insecurity.

 All meals she prepares for the Guelph Organic Conference use donated foods, with all proceeds directly funding free meals across the city.

Together, the panel demonstrates what becomes possible when every part of the food system — from soil to redistribution to community kitchens — works in partnership.

Key Themes

• Surplus recovery and redistribution
• Sustainable and regenerative farm practices
• Insights from The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste
• Behavioural science and food-environment research
• Dignified, community-based meal programs
• Practical steps for building circular food systems

Meals by Community FEWD

At this year’s conference, attendees will be nourished by Community FEWD, led by chef Yasi Zorlutuna. Using surplus and donated ingredients, Yasi and her team transform food that might otherwise go unused into fresh, creative, and delicious meals. Every dish served is made with care and purpose, with all proceeds directly funding free meals for families across Guelph facing food insecurity. Expect meals that are vibrant, flavourful, and aligned with the values of equity, sustainability, and community.

Thank you to our generous food sponsors:

& Saunders Family Vineyard