Dine Out for Farms

Being on the board of Slow Food DC - I am able to go to fun and interesting seminars, events and press conferences around town. I spent my morning with American Farmland Trust and talking with them about their Dine Out for Farms campaign. Next week (October 10th-16th) you can dine out to help save American Farms when you go to a participating restaurant. A week long effort to bring together restaurants and consumers together across the country to support a sustainable future for America's farms. Did you now that the US has lost nearly one million acres of farmland each year? Did you know we lose more than an acre of farmland a minute in America? We need 13 million more acres growing fruit and vegetables for everyone to meet the minimum recommended dietary guidelines.

At the press conference there was an interesting talk amongst: Jon Scholl (President of American Farmland Trust), Al Nappo (Executive Chef of Founding Farmers/Farmers & Fishers), Dan Simons (Principal of Founding Farmers/Farmers & Fishers) and Andy Little (Executive Chef with Sheppard Mansion in Hanover, PA). The main point everyone made was that everyone is starting to ask where their food comes from...and its the restaurants duty to get involved in the effort to tell people about the food and get them interested. - If customers demand it - then restaurants will be able to provide it.

I think it is important for people to know where their food comes from...knowing the story behind it. Its just fascinating. So much love and dedication comes from these farmers that planted the seeds and worked hard in the fields. I love going to the markets and knowing which farmers I trust. Cooking a meal from fresh ingredients is so satisfying. What a wonderful movement...I hope everyone starts asking questions and learns more about what is put on the plate in front of you everyday.

Next week in the DC/VA/MD area support the movement and go to:
Farmer & Fishers, Founding Farmers, American Flatbreadm Clyde's of Reston, Clyde's Willowcreek Farm, Cock & Bowl, Equinox Restaurant, Open Kitchen, Salt Air, Wildfire (McLean VA), Tabard Inn and The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm.