What is Food Day?
Food Day is a year-round nationwide celebration of and movement toward more healthy, affordable, and sustainable food culminating in a day of action on October 24 every year. Created by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest and driven by a diverse coalition of food movement leaders and citizens, Food Day aims to bring us closer to a food system with “real food” that is produced with care for the environment, animals, and the women and men who grow, harvest, and serve it.
Join the national Food Day movement to connect with other food activists in your area; get access to free resources to help children and adults “Eat Real” and promote your events on our national map; and have fun celebrating the progress we can make when we work together to change the American food system.
One focus area for Food Day 2013 is on food education. Get Food Education in Every School is a national initiative launched by Food Day and the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation in May 2013 to raise awareness about the critical importance of food education in schools across America.
Food Day is organized around five main priorities:
1. Promote safer, healthier diets
2. Support sustainable and organic farms
3. Reduce hunger
4. Reform factory farms to protect the environment and farm animals
5. Support fair working conditions for food and farm workers
Who is partnering with Food Day?
Food Day’s advisory board is co-chaired by Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and includes such members as Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, Marion Nestle, David Kessler, and Professor Walter Willett. Partners include the American Culinary Federation, American Dietetic Association, Slow Food USA, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, UNITE Here, Sierra Club, and the Humane Society of the United States. A full list of advisors and partner organizations can be found at http://www.foodday.org/about/partner_organizations
How can D.C. organizations and individuals participate?
Please contact D.C. coordinator for Food Day, Project Coordinator Catherine Kastleman, (ckastleman@cspinet.org or 202-777-8323), for more information on opportunities to get involved.
You can register your own activity up until October 24 at www.foodday.org/host_an_event. Or search for local events to attend at www.foodday.org/events!
Food Day in the District
D.C. is a crucial center for awareness and action around food. So it is not surprising that the city embraced Food Day in previous years with dozens of events. See below for a sampling of some of the great activities happening this October for Food Day, and check the map at www.foodday.org/events for the most current and full listing!
FOOD DAY DC EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
1. Chefs as Catalysts for Change: What’s on Your Plate?
Monday, October 21, 3:30 – 6 pm
US Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Chefs as Catalyst for Change is an effort to open a dialogue between chefs, vendors, farmers and restaurant professionals about what’s going on in the food system. DC chefs are unique in that they feed the most influential decision makers in the nation. They have the power to push the national food discussion in a meaningful direction. Topics include best practices, labeling/certification, and politics of food. RSVP HERE TO ATTEND.
Keynote address by Spike Gjerde, Chef/Owner of Woodberry Kitchen
Panelists:
-Garrett Graddy, professor of global, environmental and agricultural policy and politics at American University
-Forrest Pritchard, farmer of Smith Meadows – Berryville, VA & Author of Gaining Ground
-Paul Shapiro, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection for the Humane Society of the US
-Julia Wolfson, Former chef and current doctoral fellow at John’s Hopkins Center for a Livable future
Moderated by Whitney Pipkin, Freelance Journalist covering food, farming and the environment and a staff writer for the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Organized by Food Day, Teaism | A Tea House, and Food Policy.US
Hors d’oeurves and beverages offered.
2. DC Passport Challenge – family friendly fun Oct. 19 – 27 at your neighborhood farmers market!
Grassroots organizations and public agencies in Washington, DC, are coming together to bring hundreds of students and parents—many for the first time—out to their local farmers markets in DC to engage in a series of interactive activities around food. Students will complete a series of food education activities and turn them in at a passport challenge location, and the school with the most participating students will get a grand prize from Food Day — a special cooking demonstration from Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn! Community supporters include DC Greens, Kid Power, DC Central Kitchen, DC Metro Area Dietetic Association, Brainfood, Freshfarm Markets, and others.
Visit these stops to complete the Passport Challenge:
– Columbia Heights Farmers Market – 10/19, 9 am – 1 pm
– 14 & U Farmers Market – 10/19, 9 am – 1 pm (Free apples for all participants!)
– YMCA Anthony Bowen – 10/24, 5 pm – 8 pm
– Smithsonian Museum of American History (*note: this site may be closed due to shutdown*) – 10/24, 10 am – 5:30 pm
– Glen’s Garden Market – 10/25, 3 pm – 7 pm
– Bloomingdale Farmers Market – 10/27, 9 am – 1 pm (Free apples for all participants!)
All stops are free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Catherine Kastleman, Food Day Project Coordinator (ckastleman@cspinet.org)
3. Miriam’s Kitchen, Freshfarm Markets, Todd Gray, Michael James, and Gus Schumacher present Food=Community: An Interactive Panel Discussion
Wednesday, October 23, 6 pm – 8 pm
GW Square at Foggy Bottom Metro
911 23rd St NW
FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC
Join in at 5:30 for hot cider and cookies!
In this dialogue, we will examine the power of food and the binding ties that food has to our community and society. The discussion moderated by John Murphy, Director of Kitchen Operations at Miriam’s Kitchen, will demonstrate how a holistic view of food, from the basic to the compelling, can strengthen our connections to each other. We’ll examine the connection between chefs and farmers—represented by Todd Gray of Equinox and Salamander and Michael James from Blueberry Hill—while government policies such as SNAP will be discussed by James Beard award winner Gus Schumacher and Ann Yonkers of FreshFarm Markets.
For more information, contact John Murphy, Director of Kitchen Operations, Miriam’s Kitchen: john@miriamskitchen.org.
4. Food Day Round Table Discussions
Thursday, October 24, 7pm – 10pm
American University
Mary Graydon Center Room 3
4400 Massachuesetts Ave NW
FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC
Come participate in the real food movement by discussing the intersecting issues of food access, labor rights, sustainable agriculture and nutrition with the DC community. Representatives from DC Fair Food, Real Food Challenge, Real Food Real Jobs, Common Good City Farm, Farmer Worker Justice and Food and Water Watch will attend this interactive Round Table Discussion regarding food injustice issues that face our generation.
For more information, please contact Meagan Lyle (ml1834a@student.american.edu, 802-881-9866)
5. Learn about DC’s Gardening History!
NEIGHBORHOOD FARM INITIATIVE HOSTS A NIGHT WITH NFI – A NIGHT OF REFLECTIONS
Saturday, October 19th, 7 – 10 pm
Warehouse Theater
The Passenger (bar and lounge)
645 New York Avenue NW
The event will feature farm-grown food, garden-themed cocktails, and the unveiling of theD.C. Gardeners’ Oral History Project. This unique collection of interviews and reflections by D.C. residents reveals the changing landscape of local farming over the years.
NFI seeks to broaden access to healthy, local food to all families in our urban community. At NFI, our gardeners, volunteers and community members come together to plant seeds, harvest fruits and vegetables, and share stories and experiences. They leave the garden with food in their baskets and confidence in their abilities. And our gardeners and volunteers partner with local organizations to share our harvests with those who need it most. Together, we strive to ensure that families across Washington, DC have the opportunity to put healthy, local food on the table—no matter what.
Tickets can be purchased at: http://bit.ly/anightwithnfi.
For more information, please contact Kristin Brower at Kristin@neighborhoodfarminitiative.org or Kelsey Peters at volunteer@neighborhoodfarmitnitiative.org.
6. The George Washington University’s Urban Food Task Force presents a week of events in celebration of Food Day 2013!
Thursday, October 24
Talk by Michel Nischan
4pm • Marvin Center Room 407
President /CEO of Wholesome Wave will give a talk about the successful program that has improved the accessibility and affordability of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables nationwide.
Kiev Collection Cookbook Display
Gelman Library
Visit the special display of cookbooks from the library of Sheilah Kaufman, a noted culinary historian, author and lecturer. Food and nutrition books will be highlighted to check out.
The Artists Palate
Enterprise Hall, Virginia Science & Technology Campus
View this exhibit of local artists as they interpret Loudoun County’s heartland and its farms.
Saturday, October 26
Pop-Up Produce Market
11am–1pm • Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street, NE
With the coordination of sponsors and the Food Justice Alliance, there will be a healthy cooking demonstration, and local seasonal produce provided to families in Ward 7. Up to 60 volunteers needed. Email GWfood@gwu.edu (Subject: Pop-up) for information.
Monday, October 28
A Path to Responsible Chocolate?
4pm • Duqués Hall Room 553
Dr. John Forrer of GW’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility will moderate a discussion with business leaders from chocolate companies on various challenges they face in the industry.
A Place at the Table: Film Screening & Discussion
6:30–9:30pm • Marvin Center Amphitheater
Join Rep. McGovern (D-MA), Special Rep. Jonathan Shrier, GW professors Uri Colon-Ramos and Tony Castleman as they discuss the film and implications of food security both domestically and globally. Moderated by GW Professor Kim Robien.
7. DC Central Kitchen’s Truck Farm at DC Public Library’s Health Fair!
October 19, 2013 at 10am – 4:30pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G St NW
Washington, DC 20001
8. DC Greens is celebrating Growing Healthy Schools Week on October 20-25. Learn about other activities happening during the week, including a Capital Crunch in DC Public Schools sponsored by Whole Foods Market, at www.growinghealthyschoolsweek.org.
Growing Healthy Schools Week Panel and Reception
October 21, 2013 at 6pm – 8pm
US Green Building Council
2101 L St NW
Washington, DC 20037
October 20, 2013 at 11:30am – 2:30pm
City-wide, Starting at BICYCLESpace
1019 7th St NW
Monday, October 21 10am-12pm
Thurgood Marshall Academy (Anacostia Metro)
9. The Food Recovery Network: Free Dinner & Movie
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 – 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Christian Life Center
5600 Taylor Rd. Ste B, Riverdale, MD 20737
Documentary Premiere & Discussion of Food Recovery Network’s “Fighting Waste. Feeding PePeople. The Food Recovery Network Story”
The meal will be served with Recovered Food from: UMD Dinning Hall, Taylor Farms, and Coastal Sunbelt Produce.
10. I.L. Creations Celebrates Food Day 2013
Join I.L. Creations at our cafes throughout the DC metro area on October 24 as we celebrate Food Day! Learn more about Food Day and the benefits of healthy, affordable, sustainable, food. Try a sample of some delicious dishes and pick up recipes so you can make the dishes at home yourself!
Join us at any of the following locations:
American Red Cross, 2025 E St NW, Washington, DC 20006 (open to public)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, #2 Massachusetts Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20544
Department of State, 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520
Department of Energy, Forrestal, 1000 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20585
Department of Energy, Germantown, 19901 Germantown Road Germantown, MD 20874
Internal Revenue Service, New Carrollton, 5000 Ellin Rd New Carrollton, MD 20706
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20540 (open to public)
NASA, Goddard, 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Building 21, Greenbelt, MD 20771
US Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250 (open to public)
WHEN
October 24, 2013 at 11am – 2pm
WHERE
I.L. Creations’ Cafes
Washington, DC 20006
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Jackie Geralnick · jackie@ilcreations.com
11. Agricultural Development in Asia with Dr. Frank Shotkoski
Dr. Frank Shotkoski has 20 years of academic and industrial experience in both agriculture and medical biotechnology. Dr. Shotkoski is currently the Director of the Agriculture Biotechnology Support Project II (ABSPII), a USAID/Cornell University cooperative effort with a mandate to introduce agriculture biotechnology to developing countries. During this talk, Dr. Shotkoski will discuss interesting developments. These include the fallout from the golden rice field trial destruction in the Philippines, the Bt eggplant moratorium in India and the Supreme Court of Appeals ruling on the writ of Kalikasan for the Bt eggplant field trials in the Philippines.
WHEN
October 24, 2013 at 4:30pm – 6:30pm
WHERE
American University
Mary Graydon Center Room 200
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Erica Christensen · ericalchristensen@gmail.com
12. Eatright DC Public Policy Reception
Sponsored by DC Councilmember Mary Cheh
On Food Day 2013, the District of Columbia Metro Area Dietetic Association (DCMADA) is hosting a meet and greet reception to promote health and nutrition and the work of registered dietitians in Washington, DC.
This event will be held at DC’s City Hall (the Wilson Building) from 6:00-8:00 pm.
*Directly across the street from Freedom Plaza (at the corner of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue)
WHEN
October 24, 2013 at 6pm – 8pm
WHERE
DC’s City Hall (John A Wilson Building)
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Vanessa Hoffman · vanessa.hoffman@gmail.com
13. Every Day is Food Day at Eco City Farms
ECO City Farms Celebrates Food Day Every Day, but especially on Saturday October 26 from 1 to 4 PM when we will provide fun activities for Children and Youth; Farm tours for Adults; Pumpkins, Preparing Healthy Food Demonstrations and Tasting; Smoothie Bikes; Great Music and Plenty of Free Apples and more.
Opportunities for local non-profits to provide information and share resources.
Come participate and help build a movement for food justice and equity– healthy affordable food for all.
WHEN
October 26, 2013 at 1pm – 4pm
WHERE
ECO City Farms
4913 Crittenden St
Edmonston, MD 20781
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Margaret Morgan-Hubbard • info@ecocityfarms.org • (301) 288-2511
14. Screening of ” A Place at the Table” and Fundraiser for United Community Ministries Food Pantry
In celebration of food day, join us on Saturday, October 26th for a screening of A Place at the Table a documentary about hunger in America.
Teaism Old Town
682 N. Saint Asaph St
Alexandria, VA 22314
Just 12 minute walk from the Braddock Rd. Metro Station
Ample street parking available
Movie will begin promptly at 7pm. 10% of purchases from 6:30pm to 9:00pm will be donated to United Community Ministries!
Don’t forget to bring a healthy (low fat, low sodium or low sugar) canned or packaged item to donate to the UCM food pantry!
Come out for dinner and movie for a great cause!
WHEN
October 26, 2013 at 6:30pm – 9:30pm
WHERE
Teaism Old Town
682 N Saint Asaph St
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Tracey Plotkin · tracey@teaism.com · 202-464-0256
Food Day DC 