Get your appetite ready, Boston. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, with the help of his allies in the Department of Agricultural Resources, has declared Thursday October 24 as “Food Day” pertaining strictly to the Bay State. Yum.
The announcement came yesterday and aims to gather organizers, volunteers, supporters, and eaters in the hundreds to help popularize the ideals of opting for healthy food grown locally and to advocate for Beacon Hill policies that support productive and respectful food systems that benefit of citizens statewide.
In Massachusetts especially, where the western half has mastered the art of horticulture and the eastern half boasts a terrific fusion of classic menus and progressive food trucks, an event like this will surely help to promote a healthier standard of living when it comes to what we choose to ingest.
According to the press release events will include community potlucks, ‘Eating Real’ school challenges, film screenings, farmers’ markets, festivals, food demos, family dinners with food-focused discussion and much more.
Find your nearest Food Day location by entering your town or zip-code at www.foodday.org. Below is just a taste of what you can expect in the Greater Boston area and beyond.
Lowell and Somerville:
Lowell and Somerville will host a “Food Week” of programming for the annual celebration. Film forums, potlucks, agricultural activities, nutritional education will all take place throughout the week.
Worcester Farmers Market Food Day Celebration:
The Farmers Market will be an exciting community event. Area colleges such as Holy Cross, Worcester State and Clark are also participating with campus activities.
Statewide: Hannaford Supermarkets is proud to support Food Day:
Each Hannaford location in Massachusetts will be celebrating Food Day in different ways. In-store activities will be centered around healthy eating while other stores may visit community partners to promote healthy choices.
340 Schools in 47 School Districts accepted the Food Day challenge to “EAT REAL”:
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education School Nutrition Programs challenged School Nutrition Directors to EAT REAL on October 24. Schools in 47 School Districts will serve their students a fresh and local school lunch that eliminates (or greatly reduces) all processed foods.
Harvard Square’s 20 Mile Radius Restaurant Challenge:
Multiple Harvard Square restaurants will be participating in National Food Day. On October 24, they will be preparing meals as part of the Food Day 20-Mile Challenge. Restaurants will create menus with all ingredients sourced within a 20 mile radius of Harvard Square.
