WNY Peace Center presents 3rd Food Forum

Grand Island Dispatch, October 13, 2006
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, October 14, 2006

As concerns over food safety and health continue, area residents are invited to explore the issues of food security and food politics in the third annual World on Your Plate Food Forum, Sunday, Oct. 21 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 Symphony Circle in Buffalo, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presented by the Visions Harvest Committee of the Western New York Peace Center, this program, entitled, “A Day of Learning, Community and Food,” will feature a keynote address by acclaimed author Frances Moore Lappe´. The author of such works as “Diet for a Small Planet,” “12 Myths About Hunger,” “Hopes Edge,” “You Have The Power,” and “Democracy’s Edge,” she is expected to offer a discussion on the systemic inequalities in resource allocation and how people worldwide are organizing for change.

The program will also offer participants the opportunity to join in three separate workshop offerings. Workshops and topics include:

•Group A – Discussing genetically modified foods; community supported agriculture; just transportation: to eat or drive; organic fair trade; and a teen discussion on farm-school relationships.

•Group B – Discussing farm workers and legislation; healthier school lunches; wholesome green smoothies; native food and spirituality; what to do about GE foods; fair trade coffee and churches; farming organically; and a teen discussion on wildlife protection.

•Group C – Discussing farm worker advocacy; composting; eating raw foods; wind energy; year-round gardening; straw-bale construction; spiritual healing and message; and a teen discussion on healthy eating by design.

In addition, there will be literature tables, fair trade and organic vendors, demonstrations and network, and opportunities for participants to join in advocacy in support of alternatives for sustainable living. An organic, vegetarian lunch will be provided.

For more information, or to register, call the Peace Center’s Visions Harvest Committee at 894-2013.