Submitted by the Thurston Economic Development Council
The South Sound Food System Network (SSFSN) welcomes the south sound area community for an evening of celebration and tastings, and a day of food, educational workshops, panels, and speakers at Olympia’s own South Puget Sound Community College. The summit brings diverse groups of people together to discuss three key themes: the environmental, economic & social impacts of local food.
“It is both an exciting and challenging time as we work to rebuild our local food systems– supply chains, production, processing, distribution and markets.” Aslan Meade, the Business and Investor Relations Manager at the Thurston Economic Development Council explains, “There is a lot of momentum and interest driving us as more and more consumers see the value of eating locally produced food and demand greater access.”
The Friday evening Local Flavors Tasting Salon will feature delicious bites from local farmers, ranchers, restaurants & other food artisans, as well as craft beer, cider, wine & non-alcoholic beverages. In addition to finger-licking local flavors, attendees will enjoy live local music by the Oly Mountain Boys, inspirational speakers, and a lively community celebration. The Saturday Food Summit is an all-day event that will engage attendees in sessions ranging from cooking demonstrations to farmer panels to playback theatre and so much more. There will be opportunities to hear from local food leaders on the future of sound food and time for individual reflection and small group dialogue, as we contemplate our own part in the local food system and the many different ways we can access, participate in and transform it.
Aslan Meade said:
“Immersing ourselves in this work, we come to realize just how deeply food connects us—to each other, and to just about every aspect of our lives– from the environment, to social issues, health, politics, economy and more. We need to educate ourselves and others and then we need to embrace our local food culture and celebrate it.”
To register for The Local Food Summit and learn more about the South Sound Food Network go to ssfoodsystemnetwork.org Then join us on October 20 and 21 for the Local Tasting Salon and Food Summit.
About the South Sound Food System Network
Our mission is to grow a vibrant local food economy, ensure broad access to healthy foods, and steward the environment in the South Sound. Community organizations, food businesses and governmental agencies make up our network and work to educate the community and policy and decision-makers concerning food system related health disparities, food security, food sovereignty, economic development and environmental stewardship in the South Sound. Learn more at ssfoodsystemnetwork.org.
