A series of regional “food meetups” brought local growers, purchasers and food market developers interested in networking with each other and discussing ways to improve locally grown food distribution systems. In this conversation, Amanda Philyaw Perez says one of the goals of the meetups is to produce a directory of the state’s local food system sector in hopes of creating new markets for produce growers with food service companies, local schools and other potential clients.  

Amanda Philyaw Perez
Community Development Specialist
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture