About the Conference
Location
Images courtesy of Smith College
This year's conference will take place at Smith College in Northampton, MA. Situated in the agriculturally rich CT River Valley, Smith College is a leader in college sustainability efforts with inspiring local foods initiatives in their dining program. We are excited to partner with them to provide participants state of the art meeting facilities and delicious meals that align with the mission and values of the conference. All conference buildings are fully accessible.
The conference will take place at the Child Campus Center.
Lodging
We have arranged for a block of reduced rate rooms at the Ellery Hotel on Thursday, March 21st. The Ellery is located on Smith’s campus and is a short walk to the Campus Center (where the conference will be held).
To take advantage of the reduced rate call the hotel (413-584-7660) or email stay@elleryhotel.com prior to February 20th. Please reference "Massachusetts Farm to School Conference" block when making the reservation.
Reduced Rate Pricing
King Rooms: $149.00
Double Rooms (2 Queen Beds): $169.00.
Breakfast & parking are included.
Transportation
We encourage participants to consider carpooling and/or taking public transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of your trip to the conference. Please share if you need a ride, or can offer one, and connect: 2024 Conference Carpool Sign-Up.
The Smith Campus is within walking distance of the Northampton bus terminal and a short taxi ride from the train terminal.
Parking is available on campus at numerous parking lots and designated accessible parking spots.
Directions & information about transit options.
Conference Committee
Shaunia Flowers , Farmer, 2 Cents Homegrown Farm
Rebecca Kelley, Impact Partnership Lead, Massachusetts & Rhode Island, FoodCorps MA
Diane Krol, Manager Youth Wellness, New England Dairy
Courtney McSparron, Director of Education, Mill City Grows
Sasha Palmer, Director of Food Services, Brookline Public Schools
Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director, Growing Places
Rina Zampieron, State-Wide Early Education Coordinator, Mass Audubon