A Regional Gathering Focused on Food and Community
LAFAYETTE, La. — Farmers, food producers, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community leaders from across South Louisiana will gather in Lafayette next month for a summit designed to strengthen the region’s local food system and build connections between the people who grow, produce, purchase and provide food.
The Acadiana Food Alliance will host the 2026 SOLA Food Summit on Monday, September 14, at the Downtown Convention Center, 124 S. Buchanan St. in Lafayette. The one-day gathering will focus on strengthening local agriculture, expanding opportunities for food producers and improving access to locally grown food.
The summit comes at a time when communities across South Louisiana continue looking for ways to support local businesses, farmers and families while building a stronger regional economy.
Planting Seeds of Cooperation
Nicole Johnson, interim president of the Acadiana Food Alliance, said the summit is intended to create meaningful connections, share practical knowledge and identify opportunities that can benefit farmers, food businesses and communities throughout South Louisiana.
The gathering will bring together people with different roles within the food system, creating opportunities for collaboration that might not otherwise occur.
Scripture frequently uses agriculture as a picture of God’s provision and the importance of faithful work. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
That principle can serve as a reminder that strong communities are built through many people working together. Farmers plant, producers create, businesses distribute, nonprofits serve and consumers support the system through their choices.
Strengthening Local Agriculture
Educational sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities and collaborative conversations will make up the summit. Organizers expect discussions to address local food production, sustainable agriculture, market readiness and the development of stronger regional food networks.
Other topics will include commercial and institutional food purchasing, food entrepreneurship, local food access, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and opportunities for greater regional collaboration.
These conversations have the potential to help farmers and food producers better understand available markets while helping businesses and institutions discover new ways to purchase locally produced food.
Making Food Access a Community Priority
Food access is also expected to be an important part of the summit. Ensuring that families have opportunities to obtain nutritious food requires cooperation among farmers, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community leaders.
Proverbs 31:9 calls believers to “open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Caring for neighbors includes recognizing practical needs and working toward solutions that strengthen families.
A healthier local food system can provide benefits that reach beyond the farm, creating economic opportunities while helping communities become more connected to the people and businesses producing their food.
Supporting the People Behind the Food
For farmers and food entrepreneurs, the summit also offers an opportunity to discuss market readiness and business development. Expanding markets can help local producers build sustainable businesses and keep more economic activity within the region.
Luke 10:7 reminds us that “the labourer is worthy of his hire.” Supporting those who work to grow and produce food recognizes the value of their labor and the important role they play in the community.
The summit’s emphasis on sustainable and regenerative agriculture also encourages participants to consider how today’s decisions can affect future generations.
A Vision for South Louisiana’s Future
The 2026 SOLA Food Summit represents an opportunity for South Louisiana to look at its food system not as separate industries, but as a connected community. When farmers, businesses, nonprofits and consumers work together, new possibilities can emerge.
Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof.” For people of faith, caring for the land and one another is both a responsibility and an opportunity to practice good stewardship.
As Lafayette prepares to welcome participants on September 14, the hope is that conversations begun at the summit will continue long after the event ends—creating stronger partnerships, greater food access and new opportunities for the people who help feed South Louisiana.
Prayer for South Louisiana’s Food Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the farmers, food producers, business owners, nonprofit workers and community leaders who labor to provide food and strengthen our communities.
Bless everyone participating in the 2026 SOLA Food Summit. Give them wisdom, creativity and a spirit of cooperation. Help them discover new ways to support farmers, expand food access and create opportunities for local businesses.
Protect those who work the land and provide favorable conditions for their crops and livelihoods. Give strength to families facing food insecurity and guide community leaders toward compassionate and effective solutions.
May the conversations in Lafayette produce lasting partnerships and meaningful change throughout South Louisiana. Teach us to be faithful stewards of the land and generous neighbors to one another.
As Psalm 90:17 reminds us, “Establish thou the work of our hands upon us.” May You establish the work of everyone laboring for the good of our communities.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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