06/09/2026
There is tremendous power in people coming together around a shared vision for the future, which exemplifies. What an honor to gather in Sweden with fellow finalists and changemakers working across every corner of the globe.
Our dialogues were robust and wide-ranging, spanning food affordability, farmer livelihoods, climate resilience, food sovereignty, and the role of public policy in shaping what we grow, eat, and value.
One theme surfaced again and again: food systems don't change by accident. Transformation happens when communities, institutions, and policymakers intentionally create demand for the future they want to see.
As we engaged in discussions about local food economies, resilient supply chains, and farmer support, we were reminded how deeply connected this is to what we see daily in California schools through Conscious Kitchen. School food is about far more than feeding students. Every meal is an opportunity to support farmer livelihoods, strengthen regional food systems, improve public health, and actively shape the future of food.
The panels, speakers, and attendees were brilliant. challenged us to think about food not as a commodity, but rather as infrastructure. For those of us working in school food, that perspective felt especially powerful. Every day, millions of students rely on school meals. The choices we make about what food is purchased, grown, prepared, and served have ripple effects that extend far beyond the cafeteria.
We came to Sweden to share the Conscious Kitchen story as one of four FPP 2026 Finalists. We leave inspired by like-minded people, energized by synergistic conversations, and more committed to the collaborative work ahead.
Thank you to the Food Planet Prize team, jury, fellow finalists, and everyone who made this experience possible and meaningful. And thank you to the farmers, school food leaders, students, families, and CK partners who continue to show what is possible when communities come together around food. 🌱🌍