Food

The Long Island Small Farm Summit Inspires

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The Long Island Small Farm Summit, run by a coalition including NOFA, North Shore Land Alliance, and Slow Food Huntington was held at SUNY Old Westbury on Friday. The best part was its surprisingly great success with over 400 attendees! The keynote speaker was Joel Salatin, the self-described “environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer” of Food Inc. and Omnivore’s Dilemma fame. He delivered an inspiring and humorous talk on 10 urban myths about farming, that had the full auditorium in stitches. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about local food efforts such as community gardens, farmers’ markets, and school gardens and to promote action toward sustainable food policies. Exhibitors included local farms, Sustainable Long Island, tables with books about farming and gardening, and of course yours truly (Sustainability Institute at Molloy College). It was a very inspiring event and clearly showed that the empowerment of having access to local, healthy food is an issue that has struck a chord on Long Island and beyond. See: www.longislandsmallfarmcentral.com.

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm

New Live/Raw Cafe in Huntington, NY!

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The world is changing for the good…I never thought I’d see the day that a raw/live food cafe would open, not only on Long Island, but in my hometown!! Much appreciation and praise go to Okima Wilcox, owner of the new Live Island Cafe, for manifesting this wonderful place where we can now eat fabulous vegan food. I’ve tried several items and especially loved the “cheese,” nori rolls, and pies all made from healthy ingredients, with natural enzymes- and potent flavor- intact. Word is spreading, and Okima says the fresh food made daily often runs out long before closing time, so get there early! Viva the Live Island Cafe!

Location: 201C East Main St, Huntington, NY.

For more info see www.liveislandcafe.com.

Food & Faith Conference, CT

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I spent Martin Luther King Day traveling by ferry up to New Haven, Connecticut to the Food & Faith conference hosted by the Unitarian Fellowship of New Haven. I was joined by several others from Long Island who work to bring local food opportunities to Long Island, including Fran Whittelsy of the Gateway Community Farm in Huntington, NY plus Bhavani Jaroff and her helper Yolanda, who both are involved with Slow Food Huntington and iEatGreen. We learned about similar efforts happening in CT and how places of worship can be involved in the local food movement. We learned that groups there have worked to start gardens at schools so kids can learn how to grow their own food. Great idea!

(Clockwise) Beth, Yolanda, Frances, and Bhavani at Food & Faith Conference

“What’s On Your Plate” Book Signing & DVD Release

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Beth, Sadie & Safiyah

This week I got to meet the makers of one of my favorite movies– “What’s On Your Plate?” — at their book signing and DVD release! This beautiful film was made by Catherine Gund, and featured her daughter Sadie and Sadie’s friend Safiyah. The film follows the two lovely young ladies as they learn about where their food comes from, and as they become active about the need for more fresh food and farmers markets to be available in all neighborhoods of New York City. They were so brave to go out and interview many people for the film, even Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough president, who helped coordinate a book featuring healthy recipes by Harlem chefs. Now Ms. Gund and the girls  have a book out also called What’s On Your Plate, with activities for kids. It was a privilege to meet these inspiring people, especially Sadie and Safiyah who are so mature and accomplished for their age, as well as the Angel family farmers who were also featured in the film. I hope they keep up their great work. See: www.whatsonyourplateproject.org.

The girls and film-maker/author Catherine Gund

Interfaith Thanksgiving Nov. 28, 2010

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The Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury hosted an interfaith day of thanks which included prayers read by leaders from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. Prominent speakers included Bishop William Murphy, Assemblywomen Michelle Schimel of Great Neck, and a representative of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The purpose was to highlight a wish for peace and harmony among the various people of faith in our society during the Thanksgiving holiday. I went to represent the LI Interfaith Environment Network (LIIEN.org),  and several members of my committee were there. It was an inspiring occasion, and I wish the spirit of solidarity there could spread to the places in the world where hostility unfortunately runs so deep.

Bishop Murphy joins Jewish and Muslim leaders in prayers

Have a Green Halloween

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Thank you to Elizabeth Hashagen who interviewed me for this Go Green with 12 segment!

Link to video clip that just aired today! : )

http://www.news12.com/news/article.jsp?articleId=232879