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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Conference

What is the 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference?

The 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is a pivotal gathering presented by the National Farm to School Network. It's designed as a bold evolution to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and advance a more resilient and equitable food future. It brings together leaders, partners, and practitioners to share ideas, build relationships, and drive meaningful change in food systems.

What makes this 10th conference different from previous years?

This year marks our landmark 10th anniversary, and we've thoughtfully evolved the experience. Expect stronger, more relevant programming with timely, real-world solutions; expanded community impact through deeper partnerships; new networking opportunities like facilitated roundtables; and greater accessibility for producers by being held in December. We're also celebrating New Mexico’s leadership in food systems.

What is the conference theme?

The conference theme is "Rooted in Culture, Growing for the Future." This speaks to both the legacy and urgency of our work in confronting supply chain disruptions, climate threats, and inequities through culturally grounded, community-driven solutions.

Who should attend this conference?

This conference is for anyone involved in school nutrition, local food procurement, early care education, community food access, and food systems leadership across the country. It's designed to be accessible and impactful for a wide range of participants, including farmers, educators, food service leaders, policymakers, youth leaders, and advocates.
Registration & Pricing

What are the dates of the conference?

The conference will take place December 2–4, 2025.

Where is the conference located?

The conference will be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What makes this 10th conference different from previous years?

Where is the conference located?

What is the conference theme?

The conference will be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What are the different registration packages available?

We offer several packages:
• Cultivator Pass (VIP): Includes full conference access plus one Intensive Course.
• Harvester Pass (All Access): Includes full conference access, Welcome Networking Reception, and one Field Trip.
• Seedling Pass (Standard): Includes access to all General Sessions, Workshops, Breakout Sessions, and the Exhibitor Showcase.
• Flourish Day Pass: Provides 1-Day ONLY access to all General Sessions, Workshops, Breakout Sessions, and the Exhibitor Showcase.

What is the difference between Early Bird, Standard, and Late Registration?

These tiers refer to pricing deadlines. Early Bird offers the best savings and is available until [Insert Early Bird Deadline]. Standard pricing applies until [Insert Standard Deadline], and Late pricing applies thereafter.

Can I purchase add-ons separately (Intensive Course, Welcome Reception, Field Trip)?

Yes, you can add Intensive Courses ($160), the Welcome Networking Reception ($80), and Field Trips ($80) separately to your registration package.

When does registration open/close?

Registration is open now! Please check our [Register] page for specific deadlines for each registration tier.

What is included in a "Full Conference Access" pass?

Full conference access typically includes all General Sessions, Workshops, Breakout Sessions, and access to the Exhibitor Showcase. Please refer to the specific package descriptions on the [Register] page for details.
Scholarships

Are scholarships available for the conference?

 Yes, the National Farm to School Network is deeply committed to making the conference accessible through our "Increasing Access" scholarship program.

Who are scholarships prioritized for?

Scholarships are prioritized for individuals from key groups instrumental in advancing this work, including farmers, farm support organizations, farm-to-college/hospital practitioners, early care and education providers, food service professionals, youth leaders, and people of color. They are also prioritized for applicants from New Mexico and nearby states.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

You can learn more about eligibility and apply through the [Scholarships] section on our [Register] page.

When will I know if my scholarship application is successful?

Please refer to the scholarship application page for specific notification dates.
Program & Sessions

Where can I find the full conference program and session details?

The [Program Overview] page provides a high-level narrative and daily schedule. Full details and session descriptions will be posted this fall.

What are the conference tracks?

The conference features 8 tracks designed to support different areas of work: Producers; Local and Sustainable Procurement; Farm to Early Care and Education; Youth Voice; Food Sovereignty and Native Communities; Professional Development, Training, and Research; Education: Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition; and Policy and Advocacy.

Will there be opportunities for hands-on learning?

Yes, the program includes workshops, breakout sessions, and optional full-day Field Trips that offer hands-on experiences and actionable tools.

Will I be able to network with other attendees?

Absolutely! Building connections is central to the conference. We're integrating new networking features such as the Welcome Networking Reception, facilitated roundtables, peer learning sessions, and informal meetups.

What are the New Mexico Grown Golden Chile Awards?

These prestigious awards, presented by the New Mexico Grown Coalition, celebrate outstanding programs that champion local food systems and healthy eating across New Mexico. The ceremony will honor leaders in various tiers of involvement.
Travel & Accommodation

What airport should I fly into?

The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary airport serving Albuquerque.

How do I get to the Convention Center from the airport?

The Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Downtown and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque both offer complimentary airport shuttle services. Ride-sharing services, taxis, and rental cars are also available.

What are the official conference hotels?

Our official conference hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Downtown and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque. Both offer convenient access to the Convention Center.

How do I book my hotel room?

Information on official conference hotels, special rates, and booking links can be found on our [Hotel & Accommodations] page.

Is parking available at the Convention Center?

Yes, ample parking is available in garages surrounding the Albuquerque Convention Center. Parking rates may apply.
Exhibitors & Sponsors

How can my organization exhibit at the conference?

Information on Exhibitor Opportunities, benefits, pricing, and the registration form can be found on the [Exhibit] section of our [Exhibitors & Sponsors] page. Exhibitor registration opens in summer 2025.

How can my organization sponsor the conference?

Details on Sponsor Opportunities, including various tiers, benefits, and contact information for custom packages, are available on the [Sponsor] section of our [Exhibitors & Sponsors] page.

What kind of audience will I reach as an exhibitor or sponsor?

You'll engage with a vibrant ecosystem of 1,500+ engaged food system leaders and innovators, including decision-makers in nutrition, education, agriculture, and policy.

What are the dates of the conference?

The main conference will take place on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3. There are pre-conference events scheduled on Monday, December 1 and post conference events (field trips and intensives) scheduled on Thursday, December 4.

What makes this 10th conference different from previous years?

The 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference marks a turning point. NFSN is evolving, and so is the movement. This year’s gathering will be the largest yet—bringing together new voices, fresh energy, and bold ideas from across the food justice landscape. As local food becomes increasingly politicized, we’re seizing this moment to build power, deepen solidarity, and move together toward transformative change. This isn’t just a conference—it’s a convergence.

What is the conference theme?

  • The theme for the 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is Rooted in Culture, Growing for the Future. This year’s theme centers the cultural relevance of food while confronting the colonial legacies embedded in our food systems. We’re spotlighting community-driven solutions that honor tradition, promote justice, and foster environmental sustainability. Sessions will explore how we can grow food systems that are equitable, resilient, and grounded in the diverse stories and relationships that connect us to our food.
  • Quote: “Food has a culture. It has history. It has stories, it has relationships, that tie us to our food.” — Winona LaDuke

What are the different registration packages available?

  • Standard (includes access to all main programming on December 2 & 3)
  • All Access (includes access to all main programming on December 2 & 3, includes networking reception on December 2, and includes a field trip on December 4)
  • VIP (includes access to all main programming on December 2 & 3, includes networking reception on December 2, and includes access to a field trip and intensive workshop on December 4)

When does registration open/close?

Registration opens on June 19th and closes on November 23rd

Are scholarships available for the conference?

Yes, scholarships are available.

When will I know if my scholarship application is successful?

Our plan is to notify applicants by October 1, 2025

How do I book my hotel room?

Please navigate to the travel page and click on one of the 3 recommended hotels.  
Recommended Hotels
We encourage you to book your stay using our group discount booking link at one of the three hotels below:
Hilton Garden Inn
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Homewood Suites
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DoubleTree by Hilton
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Contact Us

*Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us — we're here to help with all your conference inquiries.
National Farm to School Network | www.farmtoschool.org | info@farmtoschool.org
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