Food and food issues key topics on campus
Over the past few years, Skidmore has shown that the future of food is important to the College. What started with a few interested individuals has evolved into a campus-wide effort to increase awareness of food issues and improve access to fresh, local food on campus.
Local, sustainable food is now a main focus for many groups, courses, and departments. The dining hall offers more vegan and vegetarian options, sources fish from sustainable fisheries, and purchases flour, meats, vegetables, and other goods from local farms. Students hold internships that examine local food networks and purchasing practices. Various clubs and groups work together to host food-related events, and faculty members integrate food topics into the curriculum.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Skidmore is partnering with Farm Aid to host an advanced screening of the new documentary Growing Cities, a “film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.” Dan Susman, director and producer of the film, will be at the screening for a Q&A after the film, engaging Skidmore in a conversation around topics important to this region. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Filene Recital Hall. Popcorn will be provided by YOLO! Snacks. Admission is free.
Skidmore is also exhibiting at Farm Aid 2013 on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Students and staff will explain the local food system on campus, highlighting the commitment and cooperation between groups and departments that help the system function.
Earlier this year the new Saratoga CSA began, providing Skidmore community members with locally grown food right here on campus. CSA shares sold out within days. Now every Friday, 9 Miles East Farm and Slack Hollow Farm arrive on campus and set out food for shareholders to collect, while the Friday Farmer’s Market just outside the Skidmore Shop on the first floor of Ladd/Case also offers local food, including apples, cider, and doughnuts from Saratoga Apple.
This fall, the student garden will host the annual Harvest Dinner, food that is donated from local producers. Skidmore is also hosting a Dairy Day on Oct. 10 and Local Food Day on Oct. 24. More information about these events will be released soon.
As access to local food is expanding and Skidmore continues to develop creative ways to engage the community, it will be exciting to see what new opportunities are offered during the next harvest season. ~ By Levi Rogers
