It has been an incredibly full Fall! I am thankful for the wealth of knowledge and passion this community holds, and how much I have learned from you so far.

In late October, we were delighted to pull together the Food Policy Council for our Fall Convening and to “plant our garden” for 2026. We worked together to identify key areas of influence and coordinate activities for the coming year. We also had our first Networking event – to be called the “Nourish Network” moving forward – during which we connected with folks from our wider regional food system.

Cheers,

Rosa Baker

Manager, Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council

Reply to this email to reach Rosa, or for questions regarding membership, visit here or email membership@greenumbrella.org.

Founded in 2011 by a local group of friends passionate about coffee culture, this roaster grew from the idea of creating a “third place” - beyond home and work - where community and connection thrive. What sets Deeper Roots apart is its deep commitment to relationships. From cultivating direct partnerships with coffee farmers in Guatemala to building welcoming café spaces in vibrant neighborhoods like Oakley and Over-the-Rhine. We were thankful for their coffee donation in support of the Wasted Food Summit, so let's raise a hot cuppa to our friends at Deeper Roots!

Interested in becoming a Green Umbrella member and collaborating on future events? Learn more today.

Green Umbrella’s Food Policy Council has released the Guidebook for Resilient Regional Food Systems through Your Organization in partnership with Hamilton County Public Health’s WeTHRIVE! Initiative. This resource is designed to help businesses, schools, governments, and more use their food purchasing power to support strong food systems in their community. In addition to providing tangible next steps, the Guidebook also includes information about the impact intentional food purchasing can make with a case study on Cincinnati Public Schools’ adoption of Good Food Purchasing Policies.

If you work and live in any of these communities: Addyston, Cheviot, Elmwood Place, Golf Manor, Lincoln Heights, Lockland, Mount Healthy, North College Hill, or Woodlawn, and you know of a business, senior center, or any other institution that is not a restaurant or school, please respond to this email and let us know. We can provide them with additional support in the transition to local food purchasing.

If you are a producer or farmer who is interested in exploring selling directly to Early Childhood Care institutions, please respond to this email and let us know! We are working to connect farmers directly with ECE institutions, such as daycare centers, to strengthen our regional food system.

On October 29, 2025, more than 190 advocates, business leaders, policymakers, chefs, and changemakers gathered for the Wasted Food Summit, a day dedicated to connection, learning, and inspiring action across Greater Cincinnati’s food system. With attendees representing dozens of organizations — from government agencies to local nonprofits and food entrepreneurs — the day highlighted not only the challenges of food waste but also the growing momentum toward solutions that nourish both people and the planet, such as food rescue. Read more about the day and how you can take action in our recent blog post.

The Wasted Food Summit was a collaborative event co-hosted by Green Umbrella, Last Mile Food Rescue, and Hamilton County ReSource.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides grocery assistance to approximately 1 in 8 Americans. The recent pause of SNAP benefits has affected hundreds of thousands of people in our region. This resource explains how SNAP works, where to find food and resources, and how those who are able can support their neighbors and food security organizations. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this culmination of existing resources.

November 20, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Esoteric Brewing Co.

Join Green Umbrella and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful for our November edition of Green Drinks, an evening dedicated to celebrating and advancing green and healthy schools across the Greater Cincinnati region. This month’s event will highlight the work of Green Umbrella’s Green Schoolyards Action Network, a collaborative initiative to transform schoolyards into nature-rich outdoor learning spaces that support green workforce development, school community wellness, and climate resilience.

Come connect with fellow educators, nonprofit leaders, sustainability professionals, and community members who are helping create greener, healthier places for kids to learn and play.

December 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fueled Collective (1st floor)

This convening aims to strengthen Hamilton County’s food system by fostering connections and partnerships that support the growth of a local urban agriculture infrastructure capable of efficiently delivering fresh produce to communities, schools, and businesses.

Participants from across the county’s food network—including farmers, community gardens, educators and school representatives, government and policy leaders, and grocery stores, food pantries, and markets—are invited to join and share their insights. Register Here.

The 2026 Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit invites leaders across government, business, nonprofit, and academic sectors to share their ideas and innovations that help our region adapt today so we can thrive tomorrow.

We are seeking proposals for speakers and breakout sessions, artists and live performers, and academic or professional posters that explore how we can strengthen resilience, accelerate innovation, and build collective capacity for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Proposals due: December 31, 2025

Summit date: June 12, 2026 | Sharonville Convention Center (Cincinnati, OH)

Learn more and submit: midwestsustainabilitysummit.org

Reply to this email to reach the new Food Policy Council Manager, Rosa, or for questions regarding membership, visit here or email membership@greenumbrella.org.

Interested in sponsoring the Food Policy Council? Email Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Charlie Gonzalez.