Community Forum on Food Systems for Climate Resilience

As the Inland Empire faces increasingly record-breaking heatwaves and unpredictable weather patterns, community members are invited to “Food Systems for Climate Resilience," on Wednesday, February 18 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Flores Senior Center (111 W. Lugonia). The panel and community conversation, presented by Redlands Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA), will focus on the intersection of local farming, climate change, and economic health.

The event features a diverse panel of Inland Empire growers and community activists who are navigating the realities of a changing climate. From urban farms in San Bernardino to historic groves in Riverside, these experts will share firsthand observations of how shifting seasons are impacting local yields and the specific adaptations they are using to keep our region fed.

“Growing food in the Inland Empire today isn’t just about agriculture; it’s about climate survival,” says Julia Lenhardt, Director of Geospatial Technology at the University of Redlands and moderator for the event. “By moving toward a local and sustainable food system, we are building a resilient community that can withstand the environmental and economic pressures ahead.”

The discussion will highlight how organic practices benefit the climate – improving soil health and sequestering carbon—and how a robust local food economy keeps dollars within the neighborhood and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transport.

The event will be structured in two parts:

• Expert Panel and Moderated Q&A: A deep dive into the challenges of IE farming and the benefits of regenerative practices.
• Community Idea Exchange: A direct conversation where neighbors can ask for advice on their own gardening hurdles, from soil health to heat-tolerant crops, allowing experienced growers to mentor the next generation of backyard farmers. 

“This is a chance for neighbors to talk to neighbors,” says Program Coordinator, Dick Corneille. “Whether you are a commercial grower or someone trying to keep a tomato plant alive on a balcony, we all have a stake in a resilient IE food system.”

Register on Eventbrite. Walk-ins are also welcome.