Food summit today at governor’s mansion

Today’s Northern Nevada Food Summit at the governor’s mansion is aimed at raising awareness of the problem of food insecurity, as well as beginning work to develop healthier, more food-secure communities.

More than 150 people and organizers are expected to take part in today’s daylong, invitation-only event. The summit is hosted by first lady Kathleen Sandoval. Sponsoring groups include the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, USDA, Western Nevada Development District and Partnership Carson City.

Speakers include Mark Walker, the new dean of the University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension, Cherie Jamason of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Angela Owings of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Food Security, Jim Barbee, director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Trish Kelly of Applied Development Economics and Christy McGill of Healthy Communities.