About the Conference

The Paradox of Appetite: Hungering for Change

October 21 and 22, 2013

Food is the world’s biggest industry, and in the U.S. alone, restaurants contribute more than $550 billion to our national economy. By gathering thought leaders and stakeholders in our food system—chefs, farmers, purveyors, nutritionists, entrepreneurs, activists, philanthropists, policy makers, consumers, and others—the Foundation has created a unique forum to encourage dialogue on topics as diverse as sustainability, urban farming, public health, and childhood nutrition.

Our national, invitation-only conference is held over several days each fall. Leading up to the larger gathering, the Foundation conducts smaller regional meetings, or “salons,” around the country to explore related themes. These conversations help identify critical, timely topics percolating in different communities and help us shape the agenda for the national meeting.

For more information, please contact foodconference@jamesbeard.org.