Long Island Food Council To Hold Inaugural East End Event On April 20

Apr 8, 2018 2:56 PM

The Long Island Food Council, a networking and educational organization created to support the growth of the food industry on the island, is expanding its reach with an inaugural East End event on Friday, April 20, at Hotel Indigo in Riverhead.

“Lessons Learned: Local Food Biz Success Stories”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone will deliver a keynote address. Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank, will speak about the issues of children dealing with food insecurity on Long Island and how the Long Island Food Council is partnering in helping to combat childhood hunger. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Island Harvest.

Jane Shearer, an associate dean at Suffolk County Community College, will moderate a panel.

Presentations will feature local companies North Fork Chocolate, Blue Duck Bakery, Haskell’s Seafood, Moustache Brewery and Matchbook Distilling.

“We’ve been growing rapidly as an organization that supports the food and beverage industry,” said Michael Tucker, the president of the Long Island Food Council, in a statement. “Our goal is to assist in integrating all facets of the industry including agricultural producers, seafood suppliers, start-up businesses, restaurants, breweries and vineyards as well as their service providers and suppliers. The members of the Long Island Food Council benefit from the sharing of ideas and information through forums that can further their business goals.“

Exhibitors will provide samples from food entrepreneurs. A farm-to-table lunch with products from local companies and presenting businesses will be served.

The event on April 20 is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $45, or $40 for Long Island Food Council members and $20 for students. Visit longislandfoodcouncil.com.