The AZ Good Food Forum + Expo, presented by Local First Arizona, is coming up on Tuesday, August 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the El Conquistador Hilton Resort.
This year’s event is themed “Building Arizona’s Resilient Food Future,” and it’s a convergence of minds and expertise dedicated to strengthening Arizona’s local food system.

The Forum will offer a lively discussion among Arizona food thought leaders across a dozen panels, such as desert-adapted diets, practical advice for growers, and a dedicated forum track highlighting the invaluable wisdom and practices of Indigenous communities in Arizona.
The Expo will showcase the latest local food products, facilitating connections between local chefs, retailers, and emerging food entrepreneurs. This is an excellent opportunity to explore Arizona’s culinary delights and connect with the driving forces behind our local food economy.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of the conversation. Tickets are limited, so get yours today!
Also, vendors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Food Entrepreneurs
- Chefs and Restaurateurs
- Farmers
- Ranchers
- Backyard and Urban Ag Growers
- Food Distributors
- Grocery Buyers and Marketing Managers
- Farmers Market Managers
- Small and Large-Scale Food Institution Buyers
- Students Interested in Food Systems and Farming
- Civic Leaders interested in engaging with local food leaders and local business owners

PANEL: STORIES WE TELL ABOUT WHAT WE EAT
During the Forum part of the event (which happens in the morning, prior to the Expo), Tucson Foodie will be hosting a panel titled Stories We Tell About What We Eat.
Head Foodie of Tucson Foodie, Shane Reiser, will be moderating the panel. Joining Shane will be Christa Lebron of Chez Peachy and Gary Hickey of Charro Steak & Del Rey.
For more information about The Good Food Forum + Expo, visit goodfoodfinderaz.com. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
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Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















