Come celebrate the First Annual National Food Day! Tampa Urban Food Forum will be hosting an event aimed to support the local food system here in Tampa. The October 24th event will include local urban farmers and gardeners, small farmers, CSAs, food co-ops and local vendors advocating for a safe and local food economy.
There will also be a screening the documentary, Urban Roots, which shows the transformation of the Detroit landscape from abandoned buildings into beautiful urban farms. This film proves that it only takes a small group of committed citizens to grow change.
The evening will also include opportunities to participate in the local food system. From community gardens and other local grow-your-own food initiatives, to work-days on farms, individuals and small businesses will provide expert advise on techniques and equipment to start a garden at your own home. There will also be demonstrations from The Roosevelt 2.0 regarding upcoming urban gardening plans and food related workshops.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tampa's Dancing Goat Farm and EcoFarm. Urban Roots to donate the rest of the proceeds to their Farms in Schools program.
Anyone interested in gardening, growing his or her own food, food security, and or strengthening the local food system through bioregional action. If you are concerned about the state of our national food system, our dependence upon corporate agribusiness or the nutritional quality of the food that nourishes our bodies this is the event for you. Join us as we explore what it takes to build a vibrant, well-supported local food system and restore balance in the human relationship with food.
This article appears in Oct 13-19, 2011.