Economy League and Reading Terminal Market host “Made to Order: The Future of Philadelphia’s Food Economy"

On October 15, the Economy League partnered with the Reading Terminal Market to host “Made to Order: The Future of Philadelphia’s Food Economy” at Philadelphia's flagship B.PHL innovation festival. The three-day festival took place October 15-18, and was designed to highlight and help build Philadelphia’s reputation as the most innovative city on the East Coast—a place where movers and shakers can come to get inspired, make connections, and bring their visions to fruition. The festival included a robust slate of events from panels to workshops to fireside chats.

Dovetailing with the Economy League’s report on the food economy, and its Full City Challenge rapid incubator event, “Made to Order” highlighted innovation and the future of the food economy. The panel, hosted in iconic Reading Terminal and moderated by Economy League project manager Mohona Siddique, featured a high-level discussion of Philadelphia's food economy and three flash talks on talent, production, and opportunity in the food economy.

Each flash talk was accompanied by a tasting that featured innovative food-related products including Rebels Crumbles--healthy breakfast bars designed by Philadelphia high school students-- surplus milk up-cycled into Abundantly Good cheese, and plant-based Kennett Square mushroom jerky. Panelists included Full City Challenge alumni Hospitality Together and Cooks Who Care, sustainability and food security gurus Luhv Vegan Deli and Food Connect, and business and financial experts from Sweet Nina’s and FINANTA.