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What is the Agency Summit?
Our Spring Agency Summit is an opportunity to bring Feeding San Diego’s agency partners together for a conference-style gathering focused on the current hunger landscape, featuring networking opportunities and interactive breakout sessions. Curious what the Summit is all about? Watch the video for a preview!

Agenda
7:30-8 AM | Check-In and Resource Fair
8:00-8:30 AM | Welcome and Introduction of Agency Advisory Council
9:00-10:15 AM | FSD Regional Breakout discussions – Open Forum
10:30-11:50 AM | Lightning Talks. Listen to partners within our network as they present 10-minute talks on a wide variety of topics and shared experiences
11:50 AM | Lunch
12:45-1:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Overcoming Obstacles: Lessons learned from providing assistance during Emergencies and Government Shutdowns• FSD Leadership presents on how they have managed and what they have learned from the shutdown and other emergencies. Hear from Jessica Schultz (Director of Supply Chain), Jim Allsopp (Director of Operations), Sam Duke (Director of Programs), Patty O’Connor (COO), Ali Colbran (Senior Director of Development), and Lety Rodriguez (Senior Sourcing Manager)
1:45-2:45 PM | Breakout Sessions
2:45 PM | Raffle and Closing Remarks

The Breakout Sessions:
1. Department of Health with Vanessa Mello
Vanessa Mello, Program Coordinator at the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, brings 19 years of experience in the Food Program. She oversees the Charitable Feeding Program, partnering with local food banks to ensure safe food donation.
Her presentation will cover DEHQ’s Food Program, the risk-based inspection process, food safety tips, and guidance on permitting and registration for nonprofit food distributors.
2. AI and Nonprofits with Dr. Karen Boyd and Sarah Aghassi with the Policy and Innovation Center
Nonprofits face tension around AI: some embrace its potential, while others worry about risks. This session explores how teams can bridge that gap, develop safe AI practices, and use AI to advance their mission.
AI Futures Lab helps nonprofits adopt AI safely and effectively. Karen will demystify AI and share best practices for ethical, effective use in fundraising. Sarah will draw on her leadership experience to discuss implementing AI in a collaborative and mission-aligned way.
3. Emergency Preparedness
Are you prepared for a disaster? This session covers four key steps: creating a personal disaster plan, registering for emergency alerts, assembling evacuation and shelter-in-place kits, and understanding local hazards.










