speakers bureau
The speaker’s bureau info: FGA Speakers Bureau The Food and Growers Association is proud to introduce our new Speakers Bureau—an initiative designed to connect community groups, businesses, and organizations with knowledgeable speakers who are passionate about local food and sustainable agriculture.
Whether you're interested in learning more about FGA’s mission, discovering where to find locally grown food, or exploring topics related to food systems and community health, our speakers are here to inform and inspire.
Organizations can request a speaker from our curated list of topics and presenters, with dates scheduled by mutual agreement. In return, we invite you to support FGA’s programming through a tax-deductible donation, helping us further our mission of connecting people to healthy, local food.
Ready to host a speaker?
Browse our available topics and submit your request today!
OUR SPEAKERS
Kathy Cooley
The 31 Food Challenge: Self-Care Through Diverse, Local, and Nourishing Eating Presented by Kathy Cooley – Retired Dietitian, Blueberry Farmer, and FGA President In this thought-provoking and practical talk, Kathy Cooley draws on her 40 years as a dietitian and her passion for growing and eating whole foods to challenge audiences to rethink what it means to care for ourselves through food.
Blending science, storytelling, and humor, Kathy introduces “The 31 Food Challenge” — a simple, flexible framework for building a healthier lifestyle rooted in diversity, local sourcing, and intentional habits.
With stories ranging from her 97-year-old father’s surprising health habits to her own journey raising kids on whole foods (and bartering with Air Jordans), Kathy weaves in lessons about longevity, food systems, and self-care that are both personal and universally inspiring.
Attendees will walk away with practical tools to shift their eating habits, minimize food waste, and support their local food economy — all while nourishing themselves and their families. This talk is perfect for community groups, health advocates, and anyone interested in functional wellness, sustainable eating, and rebuilding local food systems — one delicious choice at a time.