St Mary's Food Bank Agency Conference Agenda

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When:  8/25/2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: 3003 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Ease into the conference with an evening of casual networking, light refreshments, and meaningful conversations. The Pre-Conference Mixer is your chance to meet fellow agency partners, build relationships, and set the tone for a collaborative experience.

5:30pm - 5:45pm -- Guest Check-In & Refreshments

• Arrive, check in, and enjoy light refreshments while mingling with fellow attendees.

5:45pm - 5:50pm -- Welcome & Introduction

• Kick off the evening with a brief welcome and overview of what to expect.

5:50pm - 6:00pm -- Icebreaker Activity

• Engage in a fun, interactive table activity designed to spark conversation and connection.

6:00pm - 6:15pm -- Guest Speakers: Neighbor, Agency, Student

• Hear brief, impactful stories from a neighbor, an agency partner, and a student, highlighting the real-world impact of our collective efforts.

6:15pm - 7:20pm -- St. Mary’s Food Bank Tour

• Take a guided tour of our new campus expansion project, including the Volunteer Engagement facility. Learn how these enhancements support our mission and expand our capacity to serve the community more effectively.

7:20pm - 7:30pm -- Closing Remarks

• Wrap up the evening with final thoughts and a look ahead to the main conference day.

When:  8/26/2025 at 9:00am - 2:00pm

Where:  245 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Our Annual Agency Conference brings together food banks and partner agencies from across the state to collaborate, share resources, and inspire one another. Through workshops, panels, and networking, we strengthen our mission to nourish communities and end hunger in Arizona. 

9:00AM – 9:30 AM -- Registration and Community Collaboration 

Begin your day by checking in, enjoying coffee and a light breakfast, and connecting with fellow attendees. Visit sponsor and exhibitor tables to explore valuable resources and services. 

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM -- Opening Remarks

Hear a warm welcome from CEO Milt Liu and Chief Programs Officer Marcos Gaucin as they set the tone for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

9:50 AM – 10:30 AM -- Agency Panel Discussion: Best Practices

Join a dynamic panel of agency partners as they share proven strategies, insights, and success stories to strengthen community impact and operational excellence. 

10:35 AM – 11:15 AM -- Breakout Session 1

Session A: TEFAP - Food Banking: Where it Stands

• Description:  Engage in a timely discussion on best practices, current funding updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
• Speaker: Laura Walsh (DES)
• Room: Saguaro

Session B: CSFP - Best Practices

• Description:  Gain insights into effective caseload management and reporting strategies for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
• Speaker: Ashley Rojas & Joe Capriotti (SMFB)
• Room: Prickly Pear

Session C: Compassion Fatigue - Wellness Strategies for Frontline Staff and Volunteers 

• Description:  Frontline staff and volunteers often carry the emotional weight of those they serve. This session offers trauma-informed, practical wellness strategies to recognize compassion fatigue and prioritize self-care. 
• Speaker: Jaclyn Chamberlain (Pinnacle Prevention)
• Room: Ocotillo

11:20 AM – 12:00 PM -- Breakout Session 2

Session A: TEFAP - Food Banking: Where it Stands

• Description:  A second opportunity to join the discussion on best practices, funding updates, and behind-the-scenes insights into TEFAP. 
• Speaker: Laura Walsh (DES)
• Room: Saguaro

Session B: Product Quality - From Waste to Worth: Bridging Generosity and Need

• Description: Explore how the journey from food waste to food security is reshaping the emergency food system. Learn how to transform “imperfect” produce into impactful meals.
• Speaker: Timothy Olorunfemi (SMFB)
• Room: Ocotillo

Session C: Co-Assemble

• Description: Discover how SMFB and AzFBN are leveraging the CoAssemble platform to enhance partner education and collaboration. This session will showcase the platform, highlight implementation strategies, and explore its future within SMFB. 
• Speakers: Isaac Orona (SMFB) & Braden Jones (AzFBN)
• Room: Prickly Pear

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM -- Lunch & Keynote Speaker

The Power of Relationships to Support, Collaborate, and Thrive

• This session will offer a perspective on the power of relationships. We will explore what gets in the way of supportive and collaborative relationships and why it matters to be curious and delight in difference so that we all can thrive together. 
• Lunch sponsored by St Mary's Food Bank Community Kitchen
• Room: Saguaro

1:05 PM – 1:45 PM -- Breakout Session 3

Session A: Compassion Fatigue - Wellness Strategies for Frontline Staff and Volunteers

• Description:  Frontline staff and volunteers often carry the emotional weight of those they serve. This session provides trauma-informed, practical wellness strategies to help recognize compassion fatigue and prioritize self-care. 
• Speaker: Jaclyn Chamberlain (Pinnacle Prevention)
• Room: Ocotillo

Session B: Vivery - From Map to Table: Helping Neighbors Find You

• Description:  Discover how to increase your visibility and connect with more neighbors through the AZ Food Help Map and your Vivery profile. Learn practical tools, tips, and updates to help you stand out, track engagement, and prepare for upcoming statewide rollout requirements. 
• Speaker: Chris Borresen (Vivery)
• Room: Prickly Pear

Session C: Product Quality - From Waste to Worth: Bridging Generosity and Need

• Description: Explore how the journey from food waste to food security is reshaping the emergency food system. Learn how to transform “imperfect” produce into impactful meals.
• Speaker: Timothy Olorunfemi (SMFB)
• Room: Saguaro

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM -- Closing Remarks + Raffle Giveaways

• Wrap up the day with final announcements, acknowledgments, and exciting prize drawings. A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this event a success. 
• Room: Saguaro