PRESS RELEASE
October 24, 2012
Contacts:
Rose Arruda, fooddayma@gmail.com, MA Food Day Coordinator, 617-851-3644
Tim Stansky, MA Food Day Media Coordinator, timstansky@gmail.com, 617-901-9054
For Immediate Release:
Organizers preparing to celebrate Food Day across Massachusetts
October 24, 2012
Hundreds of events across the State to be held by non-profits, schools, businesses, farmers, chefs, and more for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food
Massachusetts – On October 24, 21012, thousands of residents will come together to celebrate Food Day—the nationwide celebration and movement toward more healthy, affordable, sustainable food and a better food system. The state wide effort, coordinated by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, brings together hundreds of organizers and volunteers working to spread the message of choosing healthy, locally produced food and advocating for policies that support productive and respectful food systems.
Events will range from community potlucks, “Eating Real” school challenges, film screenings, and farmers’ markets, to festivals, food demos, family dinners with food focused discussion, and so much more.
“We want people to go away from Food Day events inspired about how they can change their diets for the better or how they can organize to solve food-related problems in their communities,” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. “It’s a great opportunity for legislators, mayors, health departments, and governors to announce new initiatives increasing citizens’ access to healthy, affordable food.”
Why are these energized groups coming together? Because they share the Food Day Campaign’s priorities, such as:
- Promote safer, healthier diets
- Supporting sustainable farms
- Reduce hunger
- Increase access to fresh local produce
Residents across the Commonwealth are invited to join in the festive and thought provoking events happening in or near their community, find the nearest location by entering your zip-code at www.foodday.org. A few samples of the hundreds of activities happening:
Cambridge: Harvard Square’s 20 Mile Radius Restaurant Challenge
Multiple Harvard Square restaurants will be participating in National Food Day. On October 24th, they will be preparing meals as part of Food Day 20-Mile Challenge. Restaurants will create menus with all ingredients sourced within a 20 mile radius of Harvard Square
Worcester: Main South Farmers Market Food Day Celebration!
The Main South Farmers’ Market will be the fabulous site of this exciting event! Purchase local produce; dine on delicious (and healthy!) prepared foods, see live music; attend mini-workshops on gardening, composting, and cooking; get your blood pressure and glucose checked; learn about Worcester organizations related to food, nutrition, health, agriculture and more! This is family friendly event with a whole “KidZone!” located in a beautiful park.
78 Shaw’s and Star Market stores celebrate Food Day in Massachusetts
Celebrate Food Day with Shaw’s Supermarket and Cabot Creamery! Stop by your neighborhood Shaw’s on Wednesday, October 24th between 2-7pm to learn more about Food Day and try free sample “Crazy Bobs”, which are kabobs with nutrient-rich cheese, fruit and vegetables that are kid-friendly and delicious!
New Bedford: SEMAP Community potluck and film screening
SEMAP is proud to partner with the International Church of the Nazarene & The Southeastern Massachusetts Food Security Network to present an afternoon of learning, sharing, eating, and a movie viewing.
A tour of the neighboring Serenity Gardens and talk to urban farmers, then return to the Church for children’s activities, a community potluck & food drive and a screening of the documentary film, Ingredients (showing 6:30-8:00 pm). The Southeastern Massachusetts Food Security Network will also launch their new website which shows where to find food at food pantries and community meal programs throughout the region!
Social Media www.fooddayma.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/FoodDayMA www.facebook.com/FoodDayMA www.foodday.org
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