Over the past year, Midwest Dairy has cultivated a relationship with Basil’s Harvest and its founder and Executive Director, Chef Erin Meyer, RD, MS. Basil’s Harvest is an Illinois-based organization that connects people across agriculture, health, food, and health systems.
Several months ago, Meyer proposed hosting a Summit to bring together stakeholders from key areas. This idea developed into the Healing from the Ground Up Summit, held March 27-28, at the Epiphany Farms Restaurant in Bloomington, Ill. The sold-out event drew nearly 80 key stakeholders in food, farming, and health systems, all working towards creating systemic change.
Panels featuring thought leaders in soil, food, and food systems shared their insights on how these three sectors influence each other. Attendees participated in breakout sessions to identify primary outcomes and actions for the immediate, short-term, and long-term future.
Midwest Dairy sponsored the Summit and hosted Illinois dairy farmer Beth Marcoot of Marcoot Jersey Farm and Creamery. During the storytelling session, Beth shared her farm’s sustainability story, including how they upcycle whey into a high-protein frozen treat called Extreme Ice. She also discussed how they transitioned their Jersey cows to A2/A2 milk production. To complete the Marcoot Jersey Farm experience, attendees sampled three flavors of Marcoot Creamery cheese during the social hour.
Another thought leader and friend of dairy, Bryan Flower, Assistant Director of Food Systems and Innovation at Northern Illinois University, shared his story of “Building Regenerative and Sustainable Food Systems on a College Campus.” He graciously acknowledged Midwest Dairy’s longtime support of the Edible Campus Meal Prep Program.
Midwest Dairy will continue to tend to these sustainable food systems partnerships and look forward to more fruitful harvests to come.