Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland will be celebrating “Food Day” with screenings at both campuses of the movie “Food, Inc.” and related activities on Oct. 24 and 25. This national event encourages Americans to change the way we eat and think about food.
The first screening will be on Monday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Frostburg State University’s Performing Arts Center. There will also be a panel discussion following the movie from 7 to 8 p.m., led by Mimi Hernandez, coordinator of the Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies.
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, there will be a Healthy Hour with “Local Food” vendors from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Allegany College of Maryland in the College Center Theater. Another showing of “Food, Inc.” will be presented at 6:30 p.m.
Entrance to all events is free with a can of fruit or vegetables, and all proceeds benefit the Western Maryland Food Bank.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest has organized “Food Day” to encourage Americans to make healthier choices about the foods they eat. They feel the foods we eat should promote – not undermine – our good health. Also, what we eat and the system that produces our food affect our environment, health and economy. Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life – parents, teachers and students; health professionals, community organizers and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers and eaters of all stripes – to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.
Some of the principles being promoted include reducing diet-related disease by promoting healthy foods, supporting sustainable farms and cutting subsidies to big agribusiness, and expanding access to food. There will also be a discussion on some of the things individuals can do to change our food system, including eating at home more, going without meat for one day a week, knowing where your food comes from and buying more organic foods.
Local Food Day events are sponsored by a community partnership that includes FSU’s Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies, ACM’s Peace Studies Club, Allegany County Board of Education, Allegany County Health Department, Carver Community Center, Community Wellness Coalition, Country Club Mall, Evergreen Heritage Center, Family Junction, Life Fitness Management, Maryland Physicians Care, University of Maryland Extension Office, Western Maryland Area Health Education Center, Western Maryland Health System and YMCA. For more information on this community partnership, visit www.makehealthychoices.org. For more information about Food Day, visit www.foodday.org.
FSU is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations through the ADA Compliance Office, call 301-687-4102 or use a Voice Relay Operator at 1-800-735-2258.
