Exploring Intersections Between Shellfish Aquaculture, Education, and Institutional Procurement

Roger Williams University to host food system leaders for NE Farm to Institution Summit

Elise Dudley
Shucking oysters for buffet.

BRISTOL, R.I. – Bon Appétit Management Company at Roger Williams University is proud to be participating in the 2023 Northeast Farm to Institution Summit, to shine a light on the university’s leadership in the blue economy and regional seafood industry through aquaculture extension, sustainability education, and institutional procurement.

On April 27, food system professionals from across the Northeast will be spending a day at Roger Williams University to tour the Shellfish Program and learn about the lifecycle of shellfish from hatchery to nursery, and grow-out. 

As part of the Summit, the university community and public are invited to join a panel discussion, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the Mary Tefft White Room in the University Library, with industry experts to expand on local aquaculture, the power of institutional procurement, and student engagement. The conversation will include a local fisherman, sustainability educator, executive chef, food service provider, faculty researcher, and a student.

Speakers throughout the day include:

  • Susanna Osinski – Field Operations Manager, RWU Shellfish Program
  • Shawna Chamberlin – Microalgae Manager, RWU Shellfish Program
  • Kate Masury – Executive Director, Eating with the Ecosystem
  • Dale Leavitt – Professor Emeritus, RWU
  • Katherine Sharp – Professor of Biology, RWU
  • Fred Weckman – Foley Fish
  • Hennessey Cook – RWU Sophomore, Marine Biology Major
  • Jonathan Cambra– Director of Culinary Operations, Bon Appétit Management Company at RWU
  • James Gubata– General Manager, Bon Appétit Managment Company at RWU
  • Elise Dudley– East Coast Fellow, Bon Appétit Management Company

A special lunch at the university’s Dining Commons highlighting local shellfish will be served that is also open to the university community and guests from the public attending the panel discussion. 

“We are honored to play a role in strengthening our regional food system through bringing together changemakers from across the Northeast,” said James Gubata, General Manager of Bon Appétit Management Company at Roger Williams University

Beyond shellfish aquaculture, the Summit event at RWU will explore how institutional procurement has the potential to uplift local producers and ecologically sound methods of food production, while simultaneously educating the student body and community with exposure to shellfish aquaculture and its ties to the local food economy.

For more information on the Northeast Farm to Institute Summit, visit https://www.f2isummit.org.

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