Tomorrow, October 24 is Food Day in the United States. Hosted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day hopes to encourage Americans and Congress to:
- Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
- Support sustainable farms & limit subsidies to big agribusiness
- Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
- Protect the environment & animals by reforming factory farms
- Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
- Support fair conditions for food and farm workers
In short, “Food Day’s goal is nothing less than to transform the American diet”. A pretty lofty goal, but an excellent one in my opinion. It’s not secret that I have some issues with the American food system and am a big fan of local farms and sustainability.
As one might expect, Food Day is getting a lot of press. I’ve seen it mentioned on Fed Up with Lunch, The Atlantic, the Kitchn and Food Republic.
The Washington Post’s All We Can Eat blog features a video from Morgan Spurlock, the history of Food Day and some of the related campaigns.
The Berkshires is hosting its own Food Day event. Tomorrow night there will be a Keep Farming Kickoff Event, focused on promoting local food. Check out Plate to Plate for more details.
I think Food Day is a great idea that everyone can get involved in, even if just by spreading the word. The Food Day website has tons of resources, ideas and events.
Of course, as Em was writing this I had to ask “What is real food?” She then gave me her answer. If a friend as you this question what would you say?