Sustainable Food

Hi All!

With all of the recent posts on sustainable food, it is with great excitement that I write to introduce you to the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) and our new guide for small group discussion, Menu for the Future. In recent months I imagine that you have noticed the increased coverage of food and farming in popular media. From CSA's to the slow-food movement, the 100 mile diet to the farm bill, to the question of local vs. organic -- food is on people's minds. Michael Pollan's latest book, In Defense of Food, can currently be found in the company of other New York Times best sellers, and Edible Communities, a publication solely dedicated to promoting local, seasonal and authentic foods, is now published in over 40 communities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the U.S., farmers' markets have skyrocketed in popularity, growing from 1,755 in 1994 to 4,385 in 2006. In response to a growing need to consider the larger implications of our food choices and understand food's relationship to sustainability, the Northwest Earth Institute, a non-profit organization in Portland, OR which works to inspire people to take responsibility for Earth through small group dialogue, released our newest discussion guide, Menu for the Future. As you know, through our daily food choices we as individuals have significant potential to effect change. This six session discussion guide offers participants the opportunity to examine the effects of modern industrial agriculture on both human and ecological health, explore emerging food system alternatives, and discuss how we as individuals can contribute to a more sustainable food supply. NWEI is a recognized national leader in the development of innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to protect the Earth. NWEI offers six other study guides for small groups that can be implemented in workplaces, homes, libraries, faith centers, neighborhoods and community centers throughout the nation. Course topics include: Voluntary Simplicity, Choices for Sustainable Living, Global Warming: Changing CO2urse, Exploring Deep Ecology, Discovering a Sense of Place, and Healthy Children-Healthy Planet. Please visit www.nwei.org for a complete listing of discussion course programs and descriptions of each course. As this guide is a tremendous educational and community building resource for those working to promote and create a sustainable future, I wanted each of you to be aware of this program. Should you have any questions regarding Menu for the Future or any other NWEI program, I welcome you to contact me at [email protected].

Many thanks,
Allison

Allison Hartlage
Director of Small Business Partnerships and Community Development
Northwest Earth Institute
317 SW Alder, Suite 1050
Portland, OR. 97204
(503)227-2807
www.nwei.org