THE FUTURE OF FOOD

Bring everyone to the table.

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a bit about us and what we do

The Future of Food is an event series built to create interactive, memorable, and meaningful experiences that both inspire and educate the public about their influence as food consumers, and provide measurable benefits to our partners and supporters.

Joined by the universal need for food security, we bring together communities from around the world who were previously siloed by political divides, business sectors, and socioeconomic realities.

Together we strive with our partners and sponsors to make The Future of Food the most accessible, diverse, and innovative event focused on future food systems in the world in order to foster collaboration that creates real social impact, both locally and globally. 

Want to be a Part of the Future?

Little Herds is an educational non-profit that organizes the Future of Food event series. Our goal is to increase the visibility and amplify mission-driven brands that are dedicated to creating a better, more sustainable, and eco-friendly, climate-resilient future for everyone.

We urge you to consider making a donation to help us subsidize the costs of artistic integration, community organizing, paying our staff a livable wage, and our post-event strategic planning. This will enable us to better serve our collaborators, the community, and our mission as a whole.

Your support will make a difference in creating a better future for all of us!

the future of food at SXSW

The event brought together a diverse group of experts, leaders, and visionaries challenging us to think about how our food and agricultural systems will need to adapt to new pressures, and what technologies and innovations will help us feed the world while combating climate change and conserving the earth’s precious natural resources.

The experience is free to watch here on our website and on YouTube. Follow the link below to view The Future of Food 2023 recordings.

Join the conversation, take action, make a difference!

far more than food

The Future of Food is packed with all kinds of activities led by our partner nonprofits and community leaders, each one focused on creating a better food future.

  • Future Food Field Days
  • Activations and Experiential Demonstrations
  • Family Friendly
  • Roundtable Discussions
  • Networking Events
  • Chefs Sharing Plates with Future Food Ingredients
  • Food-Focused Watch Parties
  • Impromptu Dance Breaks
  • Free and Accessible Core Programming
  • Taste Forward-Thinking Food & Beverages
  • Conversations with Food Systems Experts & Industry Insiders
  • Pitch Practice for Entrepreneurs & Founders
  • Skill Shares for Professional Growth
  • Networking Over Delicious Food & Drink
  • Curated 1:1 Connections

Want to stay updated?

Enter your email and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about The Future of Food! We send monthly emails with information on future food systems.


Meet our organizers

Our mission is to educate and empower communities, both locally and globally, to support and promote the use of insects for food and feed as an environmentally sound and economically viable source of nutrition.

Our mission is to be the leading food services group that provides fresh, healthy meals for food-insecure and nutritionally challenged communities. The Cook’s Nook believes everyone deserves access to nutritious and delicious meals, given the impact of food security on overall health.

Schedule

8:00 am - 8:10 am

Opening Remarks

Olivia Hernandez
Olivia Hernandez

Culinary Director; Chef & CEO, Hernandez Hospitality

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

8:10 am - 8:50 am

Conference on Food Resilience, Access, and Equity Presents: The Future of Healthcare is Food

R.J. Briscione
R.J. Briscione

Principal, The Focus Group, an HMA Company

Paula Gutierrez
Paula Gutierrez

Sr. Director, Social Care & Community Partnerships, Cityblock Health

Julianne Eckert
Julianne Eckert

Senior Director, Clinical Quality Programs, Clover Health Plans

Joi Chevalier
Joi Chevalier

Founder, The Cook’s Nook

8:55 am - 9:35 am

Conference on Food Resilience, Access, and Equity Presents: Good School Food Can Change Everything: Leveraging the Power of Public Institutions and Transforming the Food System

Sunny Baker
Sunny Baker

Senior Director of Programs & Policy, National Farm to School Network

John Dillon
John Dillon

Policy Consultant, Center for Mississippi Health Policy

Hernan Colmenero
Hernan Colmenero

Founder & CEO, Institute for Ecology, Scholarship, and Health

Hallie Casey
Hallie Casey

Value Chain Director, Sustainable Food Center

9:40 am - 10:20 am

Conference on Food Resilience, Access, and Equity Presents: Moving the Needle on Black Health: Changing Food & Nutrition Access and Health Outcomes in Austin-Travis County Texas

Shuronda Robinson
Shuronda Robinson

CEO, Austin Woman Magazine, Adisa Communications and Black Leaders Collective

Shannon Jones
Shannon Jones

Former Director of Austin Public Health, Formerly Austin Public Health, Travis County HHS, Health Talk

Larry Wallace
Larry Wallace

Founder & Executive Director, Black Men's Health Clinic

Kelenne Blake
Kelenne Blake

Executive Director, Black Mamas ATX

Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr.
Ashton Cumberbatch, Jr.

President & Co-founder, Equidad ATX

10:25 am - 10:50 am

Cultivating New Agricultural Systems for a Changed Climate

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Lejjy Gafour
Lejjy Gafour

CEO, CULT Food Science

10:50 am - 10:55 am

Nonprofit Spotlight: Thought for Food

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Hallie Supak
Hallie Supak

Regional Coordinator, Thought for Food

11:00 am - 11:10 am

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Session Remarks

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

11:10 am - 11:50 am

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Presents: ‘Food as medicine’: How can increased access to fresh and nutritious food for everyone improve health outcomes

Taylor Newman
Taylor Newman

Director of Nutrition, Kroger Health

Natalie Byrne
Natalie Byrne

Founder, blank space

Joe Moreno
Joe Moreno

Senior Investment Analyst, Village Capital

Emily Foxman
Emily Foxman

Global Initiatives, Team Lead, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty

11:55 am - 12:35 pm

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Presents: How Can We Use Data and Technology to Fight Food and Nutrition Insecurity?

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

Rick Whitted
Rick Whitted

CEO, U.S. Hunger

Jinder Bhogal
Jinder Bhogal

Senior Brand Manager, Bimbo Bakeries USA

Ezekiel Brooks
Ezekiel Brooks

Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Hunger

12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Presents Why Is This So Hard? Diving Into the Economics of Sustainability and Health.

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

Danielle Nierenberg
Danielle Nierenberg

President, Food Tank

1:05 pm - 1:45 pm

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Presents: How Can Collaborations Disrupt the Status Quo and Build Better?

Natalie Byrne
Natalie Byrne

Founder, blank space

Mike Meyer
Mike Meyer

Head of Farmer Advocacy, The Farmlink Project

Emily Ma
Emily Ma

Head, Food for Good, Google

Katy Hart
Katy Hart

Operations Director, ReFED

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Presents: How Do We Consider and Balance the Potential Tradeoffs for Decisions Affecting People and Our Planet?

Pete Pearson
Pete Pearson

Global Initiative Lead - Food Waste, World Wildlife Fund

Matte Wilson
Matte Wilson

Food Sovereignty Director, Sicangu Co

Lisa Zwack
Lisa Zwack

Head of Sustainability, Kroger

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Farming the Oceans & Building Sustainable Seafood Systems

Curated by Atarraya Inc, Atlantic Sea Farm, Little Herds

Daniel Russek
Daniel Russek

CEO, Atarraya Inc

Briana Warner
Briana Warner

CEO, Atlantic Sea Farms

Chloe Sorvino
Chloe Sorvino

Author & Journalist, Forbes Magazine

Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern

Chef, Food Works, Inc.

3:50 pm - 3:55 pm

Introduction to Culinary Showcase

Carissa Campeotto
Carissa Campeotto

Co-founder & CMO, Trendi

3:55 pm - 4:40 pm

The Future of Food Culinary Showcase hosted by Trendi

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Tiffany Derry
Tiffany Derry

Founder & Chef, Tiffany Derry Concepts

Tavel Bristol-Joseph
Tavel Bristol-Joseph

Chef & Co-Owner, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group

Rick Lopez
Rick Lopez

Executive Chef, La Condesa

Gerald Sombright
Gerald Sombright

Executive Chef, Troon

Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern

Chef, Food Works, Inc.

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm

Climate Policy + Food Tech; UNDP & Planet FWD on climate-resilient models for feeding the world

Que Fagan
Que Fagan

Founder, Curva Lish LLC

Cassie Flynn
Cassie Flynn

Head of the Climate Promise, UNDP

Julia Collins
Julia Collins

Founder & CEO, Planet FWD

5:20 pm - 5:50 pm

Faster, Fresher, Safer

Tom Thompson
Tom Thompson

Chief Revenue Officer, Revol Greens®

Michael Wainscott
Michael Wainscott

Chief Executive Officer, Revol Greens®

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time

5:55 pm - 6:25 pm

De-stigmatizing Hunger and Investing in Change

Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton

Founder and Managing Partner, Backstage Capital

Que Fagan
Que Fagan

Founder, Curva Lish LLC

6:25 pm - 6:35 pm

Closing Remarks from Organizers

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time

Joi Chevalier
Joi Chevalier

Founder, The Cook’s Nook

10:30 am - 10:40 am

Opening Remarks

Olivia Hernandez
Olivia Hernandez

Culinary Director; Chef & CEO, Hernandez Hospitality

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

10:40 am - 11:20 am

Primary Purchasers; Why Better for the Body, Better for the Planet Products are a Good Investment

Sara Thurwachter Brand
Sara Thurwachter Brand

Founding General Partner, True Wealth Ventures

Riana Lynn
Riana Lynn

Founder & Investor, Journey Foods and Joyful VC

Claire Siegel
Claire Siegel

Co-founder & CEO, Flourish

Briana Warner
Briana Warner

CEO, Atlantic Sea Farms

Anne Carlson
Anne Carlson

Founder & CEO, Jiminy's

11:20 am - 11:25 am

Nonprofit Spotlight: Farmshare

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Andrea Abel
Andrea Abel

Executive Director, Farmshare Austin

11:25 am - 12:05 pm

The Rise of Women in Food: Its Impact on Future Food Systems

Que Fagan
Que Fagan

Founder, Curva Lish LLC

Riana Lynn
Riana Lynn

Founder & Investor, Journey Foods and Joyful VC

Lezlie Karls
Lezlie Karls

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Mid-Day Squares

Jennifer Stojkovic
Jennifer Stojkovic

Founder & Author, Vegan Women Summit

Kayalin Akens-Irby
Kayalin Akens-Irby

Head of Growth, Planet FWD

12:10 pm - 12:40 pm

Why Men Need to Step-Up as Allies Across the Food System

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time

Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern

Chef, Food Works, Inc.

12:40 pm - 12:45 pm

Nonprofit Spotlight: Central Texas Allied Health Institute

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Dr. Jereka Thomas-Hockaday
Dr. Jereka Thomas-Hockaday

Principal Founder & Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Central Texas Allied Health Institute

12:45 pm - 1:10 pm

Access to Good Food for Building Nutritional Stability in Communities

Whitney Strauss
Whitney Strauss

Executive Director, AdvoCare Foundation

Benaye Wadkins Chambers
Benaye Wadkins Chambers

President & CEO, Crossroads Community Services

1:25 pm - 1:30 pm

Nonprofit Spotlight: Keep Austin Fed

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Lisa Barden
Lisa Barden

Executive Director, Keep Austin Fed

1:30 pm - 2:10 pm

Alternative Proteins Beyond the Impossible Hype Cycle Expectations

Shelby Smith
Shelby Smith

The Cricket Lady, Gym-N-Eat Crickets LLC

Michelle Wolf
Michelle Wolf

CEO, New Wave Foods

Michelle Ruiz
Michelle Ruiz

CEO & Cofounder, Hyfé Foods

Chloe Sorvino
Chloe Sorvino

Author & Journalist, Forbes Magazine

2:15 pm - 2:25 pm

Psychedelic Food to Restore Mental Health and Quality of Life

Que Fagan
Que Fagan

Founder, Curva Lish LLC

Janice Omadeke
Janice Omadeke

CEO & Co-Founder, Calibrate Wellness

2:30 pm - 3:10 pm

A New Food Plan; Designing and Implementing the First "Austin-Travis County Food Plan"

Curated By: Little Herds, CFRAE, City of Austin Office of Sustainability

Juliet Morgan
Juliet Morgan

Community Advisory Committee, Austin-Travis County Food Plan

Yvette Lopez
Yvette Lopez

Community Advisory Committee, Austin-Travis County Food Plan

Dr. Akua Woolbright
Dr. Akua Woolbright

Community Advisory Committee, Austin-Travis County Food Plan

Brigid Shea
Brigid Shea

Travis County Commissioner Precinct 2, Travis County

Joi Chevalier
Joi Chevalier

Founder, The Cook’s Nook

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm

Future Food Pitch Practice with Shondra Washington

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson
Kendra Bracken-Ferguson

Founder and CEO, BrainTrust Founders Studio

Elisa Sepulveda
Elisa Sepulveda

Partner, Angel Ventures

Shondra Washington
Shondra Washington

CEO, TBC Capital & Black@

Christine Mei
Christine Mei

Principal, The Cozabe Group

4:05 pm - 4:45 pm

What’s Hot, What’s Not, What’s Being Bought by a Bot: Long-Term Predictions on Next Gen Consumers

Andrea Hernández
Andrea Hernández

Cult Leader, Snaxshot

Noramay Cadena
Noramay Cadena

Managing Partner, Supply Change Capital

Brittany Davis
Brittany Davis

General Partner, Backstage Capital

Brita Rosenheim
Brita Rosenheim

Managing Partner, Vita Vera Ventures

4:45 pm - 4:55 pm

Closing Remarks from Organizers

RNA
RNA

Founder & Director, Little Herds

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty
Dr. Sweta Chakraborty

CEO of North America, We Don't Have Time

Joi Chevalier
Joi Chevalier

Founder, The Cook’s Nook

Want to learn more?

Follow the link below to check out last year’s event and watch recap videos.