Meeting Day Guide: January 10, 2025, Clemson at Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad

Event Overview:
The meeting on January 10, 2025, will focus on a collaborative engagement between Clemson University and Sprouts Farmer’s Market, taking place at the Collegiate Quad. The primary objective is to strengthen ties between the two entities, aligning on educational, environmental, and community outreach initiatives. Both Clemson’s faculty and students, as well as Sprouts’ team members, are expected to be in attendance, with a focus on fostering long-term partnerships that benefit local communities, sustainable practices, and nutrition education.

1. Pre-Meeting Preparation (9:00 AM – 9:45 AM)

The success of this meeting relies heavily on preparation and setting the right tone. Participants should arrive early to familiarize themselves with the venue and ensure all logistics are handled smoothly.

Arrival at Collegiate Quad

Upon arrival, participants should gather at the main entrance of the Collegiate Quad. Volunteers will be present to direct attendees to the meeting room or designated space. This venue has been specifically chosen for its neutral and accessible location, offering ample space for both discussion and informal networking.

Check-in Process

There will be a registration table at the entrance where participants will check in and receive their meeting materials, including the agenda, participant list, and other relevant handouts. Ensure that all the necessary documents are distributed and that all technology for presentations is ready.

Agenda Review

The agenda for the day will be shared as soon as attendees check in. It’s essential to make sure everyone understands the structure of the day to stay on track. This will include designated breaks, collaborative sessions, and key discussion topics.

2. Opening Remarks (9:45 AM – 10:00 AM)

The event will formally kick off with opening remarks from the event organizers. The session will be brief, but it’s crucial for setting the tone of the day.

Welcome Address – Dr. Emily Walters, Clemson University

Dr. Walters will provide a welcome address, briefly touching on the history and significance of the collaboration between Clemson University and Sprouts Farmer’s Market. She will emphasize the importance of sustainable practices, nutrition education, and community engagement.

Overview of Sprouts Farmer’s Market’s Involvement – Jason Miller, Director of Community Outreach

Jason Miller from Sprouts will introduce the company’s commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and its longstanding relationships with educational institutions like Clemson. He will highlight the importance of the upcoming discussions and outline how both parties can benefit from their partnership.

3. Keynote Speech: “The Future of Sustainable Food Systems” (10:00 AM – 10:45 AM)

To kickstart the deeper discussions, Dr. Sarah Griffin, a professor of Environmental Sustainability at Clemson, will deliver a keynote address on the future of sustainable food systems. This talk will set the tone for the topics that follow, aligning with both the university’s academic focus and Sprouts’ operational ethos.

Main Themes

• Food Security: Understanding the importance of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security for future generations.
• Local Sourcing: How sourcing locally impacts environmental sustainability, supports local economies, and boosts food quality.
• Innovation in Sustainable Practices: Emerging trends in the agricultural and retail industries to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and promote health.

The keynote speech will be followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to ask questions and engage with Dr. Griffin on the future of sustainable food practices.

4. Networking Break (10:45 AM – 11:00 AM)

A 15-minute break will allow participants to stretch their legs, enjoy light refreshments, and network with others. This informal period provides an opportunity for one-on-one discussions and setting the stage for more collaborative interactions throughout the day.

5. Roundtable Discussions: Exploring Collaborative Opportunities (11:00 AM – 12:15 PM)

The central part of the day will consist of structured roundtable discussions. Attendees will be divided into small groups, each focusing on different aspects of the potential collaboration between Clemson and Sprouts. The purpose of these discussions is to uncover actionable initiatives and strategies for collaboration.

Discussion Topics

1. Education & Outreach Programs
   • How can Clemson students partner with Sprouts for educational initiatives in local communities?
   • Opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and research partnerships focused on sustainable food systems.
2. Local Sourcing and Sustainability
   • Identifying local farmers and food producers in the Clemson area that could potentially supply Sprouts Farmer’s Market.
   • Exploring ways to increase the visibility of sustainable food practices among local consumers.
3. Nutrition and Health Initiatives
   • Discussing ways Clemson and Sprouts can jointly promote healthier eating habits through workshops, in-store demonstrations, and digital campaigns.
   • Collaborating on nutrition education, particularly for underserved communities in the Clemson area.
4. Environmental Sustainability Practices
   • How can Clemson and Sprouts work together on research projects related to sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and waste management in food retail?
   • Creating joint initiatives to reduce carbon footprints in the food industry and educating the public on the importance of sustainable practices.

Facilitators:

Each roundtable will be facilitated by a moderator to ensure the conversation stays on track and that all voices are heard. These facilitators will also take notes to ensure key ideas and proposals are documented for follow-up after the event.

6. Lunch and Informal Networking (12:15 PM – 1:15 PM)

The lunch break will be an excellent opportunity for informal networking. A selection of organic and locally sourced meals will be provided, reflecting the themes of sustainability and healthy eating. Attendees are encouraged to mingle, exchange ideas, and explore potential future collaborations.

A local food vendor from the Clemson area may be invited to provide lunch, underscoring the focus on supporting the regional food economy and promoting sustainable practices.

7. Post-Lunch Plenary Session: Building Long-Term Partnerships (1:15 PM – 2:00 PM)

After lunch, the group will reconvene for a plenary session focused on developing actionable plans for the long-term collaboration between Clemson University and Sprouts Farmer’s Market.

Discussion Points:

• Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): How can both parties formalize their relationship to ensure continued cooperation on various fronts?
• Measuring Impact: Developing metrics to track the success of collaborative initiatives, particularly in terms of sustainability, student involvement, and community outreach.
• Setting Milestones: Identifying short-term and long-term goals for the partnership, with clear timelines and responsibilities.

Speakers:

• Dr. Emily Walters (Clemson University)
• Jason Miller (Sprouts Farmer’s Market)
• Dr. Sarah Griffin (Clemson University)

These leaders will lead the discussion and work to create actionable next steps that both institutions can commit to following the meeting.

8. Collaborative Workshop: Next Steps and Action Plan (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

This final session will consist of a working workshop aimed at drafting a detailed action plan for the partnership. The goal is to convert the discussions from the morning into concrete actions, timelines, and responsibilities. Attendees will break into smaller groups based on their interests and expertise to craft actionable plans.

Action Plan Categories:

• Educational Partnerships: Development of educational curricula, student internships, and community outreach programs.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Joint projects related to sustainable farming, packaging, waste reduction, and local sourcing.
• Health & Wellness Campaigns: Promotion of healthy eating through events, social media, and community outreach.

A group leader will summarize the key outcomes and contributions of each group, and a final document outlining the action plan will be produced post-event.

9. Closing Remarks & Thank You (3:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

The event will conclude with final remarks from both Clemson and Sprouts’ representatives. This will include a thank-you to all participants for their contributions and an emphasis on the next steps in implementing the action plans.

Closing Remarks by:

• Dr. Emily Walters (Clemson University)
• Jason Miller (Sprouts Farmer’s Market)

As part of the closing, attendees will be given contact information for follow-up communication and will be encouraged to stay engaged with the initiatives set forth during the meeting.

Post-Event Follow-Up

After the meeting, the planning committee will compile notes from the roundtable discussions, workshops, and action plans into a comprehensive report. This report will be shared with all participants, including key stakeholders at both Clemson University and Sprouts Farmer’s Market. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled in the coming months to review the progress of the action items and continue building the partnership.

Note: It’s important to maintain momentum after the event, ensuring that the relationships formed and the plans devised are followed through effectively.