A highlight for us this past week was participating in a conference at Notre Dame sponsored by the University's Nanovic Institute on "The Future of Food." Representatives from the European Union and sustainability leaders from the US convened to discuss the state of the current food system and emerging models for growing food that bring resilience to our cities. Chefs, academicians, policymakers, farmers, and local sustainability practitioners (Green Bridge Growers, Unity Gardens, Rise Up Farms, Edible Michiana Magazine, Prairie Winds Nature Farm, and Center for a Sustainable Future) were all part of the mix. Blend these ingredients, and the conference was outstanding for the all the learning and connections that were part of the day.
Will Allen of Growing Power in Milwaukee, the country's top urban farmer, challenged us to "get control of where our food comes from." We need a new food system that's local and accessible to our communities. "Food makes us who we are, and helping all people, in all parts of our cities, have access to healthy, local food is key," said Allen.
"Agrarian urbanism" was another great concept of the day, put forward by Notre Dame Architecture Professor Lucien Steil. Steil had more pithy insights for us. "Small urbanism" is the transition citizens may choose to take to convert lawns to gardens. Getting control of our food system means "integrating production and consumption" and locally-produced food is the way to do that, said Steil. He also encouraged participants to develop small steps, "micro-projects," to change the food system in our communities. "Change happens best that way," Steil said.
Chef Joho, from the Alsace region of France and owner of Everest in Chicago, told participants that "now is the time to re-educate our communities on what we are supposed to be eating." The sources are here for local food, and chefs need to look for them, he said. Joho's core message: "Eat what you know."
"Prinzessinnengarten" was an inspiring model based in Berlin shared by Elizabeth Luning. Her platform, UniGrowCity, has built a social enterprise in Berlin comprising 20,000 square feet of growing space with community gardens accessible to the city's large migrant population. Food literacy, conservation, and strong neighborhood identity are terrific outcomes of their outreach and mission.
Much food for thought -- and action -- resulted from our participation. Many thanks to the Nanovic Institute for organizing such a terrific workshop and for their interest in continuing to engage with the community and local producers such as Green Bridge around the topic of urban sustainable food systems.
"Agrarian urbanism" was another great concept of the day, put forward by Notre Dame Architecture Professor Lucien Steil. Steil had more pithy insights for us. "Small urbanism" is the transition citizens may choose to take to convert lawns to gardens. Getting control of our food system means "integrating production and consumption" and locally-produced food is the way to do that, said Steil. He also encouraged participants to develop small steps, "micro-projects," to change the food system in our communities. "Change happens best that way," Steil said.
Chef Joho, from the Alsace region of France and owner of Everest in Chicago, told participants that "now is the time to re-educate our communities on what we are supposed to be eating." The sources are here for local food, and chefs need to look for them, he said. Joho's core message: "Eat what you know."
"Prinzessinnengarten" was an inspiring model based in Berlin shared by Elizabeth Luning. Her platform, UniGrowCity, has built a social enterprise in Berlin comprising 20,000 square feet of growing space with community gardens accessible to the city's large migrant population. Food literacy, conservation, and strong neighborhood identity are terrific outcomes of their outreach and mission.
Much food for thought -- and action -- resulted from our participation. Many thanks to the Nanovic Institute for organizing such a terrific workshop and for their interest in continuing to engage with the community and local producers such as Green Bridge around the topic of urban sustainable food systems.
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