In conjunction with National Food Day October 22, 2012, the students of the Food Policy class in the Public Policy Leadership Department of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and the Office of Sustainability are hosting the second celebration of Food Day on the UM campus. This event intends to raise awareness of food policy issues that are relevant to today’s society, especially in Mississippi. In addition to raising awareness of policy issues, the goal for Food Day is to serve as a promotion of local farmers, farmers markets, and the products they offer.
“Farmer’s Market” on the Plaza, 11am – 1pm
Local farmers will offer a variety of produce, local meat, and other products from the Lafayette County area. Stop by and get some fresh, local produce! Student Union Plaza
UM Food Day Program, Student Union, Ballroom (4th floor), 1pm – 2:30pm
Please join us for formal food day program with the following featured speakers.
Mike Callicrate , Independent cattle producer, business entrepreneur and political activist. Read more
Dr. Joseph “Jody” Holland , Visiting Assistant Professor, Public Policy Leadership
Jill Cooley , Southern Studies Faculty, Center for the Study of Southern Culture
The program agenda for Food Day at Ole Miss includes a broad discussion regarding agriculture and food policy issues from the historical background to the current state of the production system, food system impacts from a sociological perspective including impacts on women and minority groups, pictures and oral histories from Farmers’ Markets and Greenwood Farmers’ Market, a discussion of local farming outlets around Oxford and their products, and a question and answer session with local farmers.
WHAT IS FOOD DAY?
Aimed at promoting healthy, sustainable, affordable, and just food systems in America, Food Day is a national grassroots mobilization backed by some of the most prominent voices for energizing the food movement. On October 24, 2011, people will gather at events big and small and from coast to coast in homes, schools, colleges, churches, city halls, farmers’ markets, supermarkets, and elsewhere to raise awareness about food issues and advocate for change. Think of it as an Earth Day for food!
GOALS OF NATIONAL FOOD DAY
Spearheaded by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day is organized around six main policy goals:
- 1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
- 2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness
- 3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
- 4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms
- 5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
- 6. Support fair working conditions for food and farm workers
Follow us on our Facebook page and visit the National Food Day website to learn more about this campagin!