From Seed to System: Building a Local Food Economy in South

---

This plenary aims to dismantle the myth that urban agriculture isn't a serious solution to food accessibility. As climate instability, corporate consolidation, and supply chain disruptions increase, local food economies offer an innovative solution. This session focuses on transforming regional food systems by investing in local production, distribution, and policy.  The session will explore the role of growers, aggregators, public institutions, and policymakers in co-creating equitable, thriving food systems rooted in community ownership. 

Moderator: Clare Fox, Executive Director - Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders, joined Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders as Executive Director in January 2024. Clare has dedicated her life to generating powerful partnerships for an equitable and regenerative food system. She began her work journey in independent media and grassroots organizing, advocating and reporting on a broad range of issues including immigrant rights, youth development, tenant rights and community land ownership. Clare became involved in anti-racism organizing starting in 2001 and focused her efforts on training and mobilization of white communities in racial justice movements. She then found her passion for food as a human right after recovering from diet-related health challenges. 

Rev. Edward “Eddie” Anderson is a passionate civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology. Rev. Anderson was born on Warner Robins Air Force base and raised on the Southside of Atlanta as the fourth (youngest) child of Rev. Ganus and Priscilla Anderson. Currently, he serves the historic McCarty Memorial Christian Church located in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Aaron Thormodsen is an urban farmer specializing in nonprofit Controlled Environment Agriculture and food distribution. He is a fourth generation Southern Californian born and raised in Downey. In college he discovered a passion for hydroponics and urban agriculture. He did research in aquaponics and helped build systems for use on campus and at shelters in the community

Derek Steele serves as the Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), an Inglewood-based nonprofit that advances community well-being through education, health equity, housing justice, and policy advocacy. With a background in electrical engineering and a career rooted in social change, Derek brings a systems-thinking approach to community transformation—centering equity, lived experience, and community leadership. 

Kevin Ridley is a master farmer and Los Angeles native. He is a community leader driven to enhance urban agriculture and conservation. Kevin is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys gardening, fishing, skiing, hiking, boating, and camping. Gardens represent rejuvenation, peace, and community.  Additionally, he is a seed saver who focuses on culturally relevant fruits and vegetables. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. 

Alba Velasquez leads the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC) as the Executive Director, bringing a robust background in program leadership and food justice advocacy. Joining LAFPC in 2017, she has significantly contributed to the growth and impact of the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network program and has played a pivotal role in strategic partnership development. Alba served as the Interim Executive Director and led the team through a leadership shift in 2020. 

Lindsay Smith, Executive Director, Sowing Seeds of Change. Driven by a passion for sustainability, community, and education, Lindsay left her career as a special education classroom teacher to co-found Sowing Seeds of Change (SSC) in 2020. This urban farm in Long Beach is dedicated to providing agricultural vocational training, soft job skills, culinary skills, and micro-enterprise mentorship to differently abled youth and youth transitioning out of foster care. Beyond empowering young people, SSC also serves the broader community by offering fresh, healthy food through no-cost cooking demonstrations, farmers' markets, and food distribution programs. They also enhance community well-being by fostering green spaces, promoting ecological literacy, and strengthening local food systems.