Food Patriots (70 mn rough cut)

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Sunday, Mar 3, 12P/

Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church

, Oak Park (clip) -

Tickets

Tuesday, Feb 12, 7P/

Washington Irving School

 - FREE;

Jeff Spitz; Jennifer Amdur Spitz/2013/70 minutes/Family

"Food Patriots" focuses on an issue that directly touches all of us — food. The film tells personal stories that show ordinary people taking control of food and creating healthier lives, a less polluted environment, a new sense of community and new jobs. Touched by his son's struggle with food-borne illness, filmmaker Jeff Spitz weaves one family's experience into a tapestry of stories about people who are changing the way Americans eat, buy and educate the next generation about food.

South East Oak Park Community Organization is sponsoring this FREE sneak preview of the 70  minute rough cut of the film.  Join Chicago-based filmmaker, Jeff Spitz, to view and discuss his film on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Washington Irving School (1125 S. Cuyler Ave., Oak Park, IL) in Oak Park at 7 p.m.  Join the Facebook event to receive updates.  Call 773-315-1109 for more information.

How do you create a healthier life - and planet? With Food Patriots!

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Sponsored by South East Oak Park Community Organization, One Earth Film Festival is hosting a FREE sneak preview of the 70  minute rough cut of the film Food Patriots.  Join Chicago-based filmmaker, Jeff Spitz, to view and discuss his film on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Irving Schoolin Oak Park, IL at 7 p.m. Food Patriots focuses on an issue that directly touches all of us — food.  The film tells personal stories that show ordinary people taking control of food and creating healthier lives, a less polluted environment, a new sense of community and new jobs.  

Touched by his son's struggle with food-borne illness, filmmaker Jeff Spitz weaves one family's story into a tapestry of stories about people who are changing the way Americans eat, buy and educate the next generation about food.

View the Food Patriots trailer (below) featuring Jeff and his wife, Jennifer Amdur Spitz, of Groundswell Educational Films.

Visit the Food Patriot's website to learn more and to "join the revolution"!

Ingredients: The Local Food Movement Takes Root

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Sunday, Mar 3, 12P/

Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church,

Oak Park  -

Tickets

Robert Bates/2009/67 min/Family (Free Child Care Provided)

American food is in a state of crisis, but a movement to put good food back on the table is emerging.  What began 30 years ago with chefs demanding better flavor, has inspired consumers to seek relationships with nearby farmers. This is local food.

At the focal point of this movement, and of this film, are the farmers and chefs who are creating a truly sustainable food system. Their collaborative work has resulted in great tasting food and an explosion of consumer awareness about the benefits of eating local. Attention being paid to the local food movement comes at a time when the failings of our current industrialized food system are becoming all too clear. For the first time in history, our children’s generation is expected to have a shorter lifespan than our own. The quality, taste and nutritional value of the food we eat has dropped sharply over the last fifty years. Shipped from ever-greater distances, we have literally lost sight of where our food comes from and in the process we've lost a vital connection to our local community and to our health.

A feature-length documentary, Ingredients illustrates how people around the country are working to revitalize that connection. Narrated by Bebe Neuwirth, the film takes us across the U.S. from the diversified farms of the Hudson River and Willamette Valleys to the urban food deserts of Harlem and to the kitchens of celebrated chefs Alice Waters, Peter Hoffman and Greg Higgins. Ingredients is a journey that reveals the people behind the movement to bring good food back to the table and health back to our communities.

Programming note:  will be shown with a clip from Food Patriots.

Film and programming sponsored by The Sugar Beet Cooperative.  A free soup and bread luncheon will be provided as well as free childcare that includes lunch and a film for children - reserve child care: junemoon15@gmail.com.

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Sugar Beet Membership Kick-off Party

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The Sugar Beet Co-op Membership Kick-off Party and Winter’s Eve Market A celebration of local food, growing partnerships and a year of good work is being planned by The Sugar Beet Co-op for Saturday, January 12th at Unity Temple.  Memberships to the co-op will be made available for the first time at this community gathering and hundreds of people are expected to turn out to show their support.

Just a year ago, a group of neighbors from northeast Oak Park came together and decided that the Oak Park, Austin, and surroun

ding communities needed something new: a full-service, cooperative grocery store that would provide a neighborhood source for local, sustainable, healthy foods and a way of connecting farmers and producers to their customers.

Throughout 2012, The Sugar Beet team has participated in community events, connected with farmers and supporters of the Oak Park Farmers' Market, forged relationships with local individuals, organizations, and businesses, and organized events and workshops with the goal of bringing our community together around good food.

The Sugar Beet Co-op Membership Kick-off Party will include a Winter’s Eve Market featuring vendors of local foods and goods for purchase as well as The OPRF High School Jazz Quartet.  Wine and craft beers, a crepe station, seasonal foods and Sugar Beet Home Movies will make this a cozy evening of fellowship and inspiration. Tickets are $20 which includes 3 drink tickets and are available at www.sugarbeetcoop.com.

 

Youth Films Demonstrate Commitment to Sustainability

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by Katie Morris The One Earth Film Festival 2013, organized by Green Community Connections, will sponsor the first ever Young Filmmakers Contest: One Earth…Our Earth.  This film contest is a way in which young people can showcase their abilities in making positive changes for their future.  It is an opportunity to engage our youth, and create excitement around how they can, and do, make a difference in our world and in our local community.

As part of the 2nd annual One Earth Film Festival, the Young Filmmakers Contest invites students in all eligible age categories (from third grade through college) to submit film entries that cover at least one of the following categories: water, waste, food, transportation, or energy.

With this contest, “we want to encourage youth to not just contemplate the issues surrounding sustainability, but to get them thinking about potential solutions,” said Sue Crothers, contest committee chair. “Youth involvement in the sustainability movement is the key to our future, and film is a powerful medium for them to express their concern and awareness. ”

The Rainforest Rescue Coalition (RRC), a Chicago based nonprofit organization, is currently working on a submission for the college-aged category of the contest.  Founded by four OPRF High School graduates among others, the mission of the RRC is to conserve and protect rainforest land around the world and to support sustainable relationships between humans and nature. RRC raises money for sustainability and conservation initiatives through direct action campaigns.  One of RRC’s goals is to help educate the public about conservation and environmental issues - including both the problems and solutions, . . . and what better way than through film?

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According to Adam Bauer-Goulden, RRC President, RRC is creating their film entry as a way to show that anything is possible, if you put forth the energy and try to make a difference.   Though the film is still in its production phase, Bauer-Goulden reports that RRC’s film will begin with a montage of the terrible environmental disasters taking place in the world today. It will move into the story of how RRC was formed and show footage from its first 350-mile fundraising ride. The audience will have the chance to learn how they can become involved with RRC and other conservation efforts.  The film will close with a final montage of the great and positive things that the environmental movement is accomplishing.

Bauer-Goulden says, “Our inspiration is trying to get as many people involved as possible in our movement. I really believe that energy is the most important thing that we have. I believe that our purpose in life is to use our energy for something inherently good and to make the world a better place…we really just want to show people that we are just normal kids and anybody and everybody has the power to make change in this world, no matter what your situation...Anything counts!”

The deadline to submit a film to the Young Filmmakers Contest is January 25, 2013 at 5 PM CST.  For more information on the contest, please check out our website and facebook page, or contact Sue Crothers, suebillgee@comcast.net or Katie Morris, Katie.a.morris@gmail.com.

Get Pickled with Chicago Food Swap! Sat, 10/20, 10-noon, @ Whole Foods

As part of the Thoughtful Living Series offered through the River Forest Library, come learn the basics of canning and pickling fresh, seasonal vegetables. The class will include 2 recipes. After the demonstration, go on a tour through the WF produce department with class leader Emily Paster. Emily will share tips and tricks for picking out the best produce and what she looks for when she’s creating a new recipe. Saturday, 10/20, 10 AM- 12 PM Held at Whole Foods Market River Forest (7245 Lake Street). Registration is required- call 708.366.1045 to sign up.

Rachel Carson: Her Legacy and Challenges: 9/12 & 9/19, at RF Library

Submitted by Peggy McGrath

September marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson's seminal work Silent Spring.  With its publication, Carson drew attention to the negative effects of DDT and other pesticides and is often credited with sparking the modern environmental movement.  Join us for a series of 2 film screenings and discussions as we explore the life and legacy of Rachel Carson.

Part I - Wednesday, 9/12, 7pm and Part II - Wednesday, 9/19, 7pm, River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Avenue, 708.366.5205

Save the date for the "Green Living & Learning Tour" - September 29th

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Green Living & Learning Tour! Be inspired by your neighbors and learn new skills!

Join us in a day of discovering the thriving, resilient, sustainable community we have in Oak Park and River Forest!!  Seize this opportunity to learn about sustainable living right in your community by touring green sites, asking questions and participating in workshops that will give you the skills to do it yourself!  Bring your whole family and end the day at the community pot-luck filled with music, games, more fun learning opportunities and camaraderie.  Click here for more details.

The ' Green Living & Learning Tour is a great opportunity to:

  • Listen to the stories of your neighbors as they describe their green initiatives, their implementation experiences, and the results of their work.
  • Learn about practical, everyday ways to apply ecological principles
  • Speak with knowledgeable volunteers and homeowners
  • Meet like-minded neighbors

The Green Living & Learning Tour will be focused on 4 priority topic areas of OP/RF’s Sustainability Plan (PlanItGreen) which are highlighted in the tour visits and in “how to” skill-building opportunities:  (Topic area samples appear below.  Details and registration will be available on at www.greencommunityconnections.org by Aug 27th.)

Energy:  We are moving toward renewable sources of energy for heating, cooling and transportation, and we use energy efficiently in our homes and buildings!

  • Tour visit:  Historic Oak Park house with geothermal heating and cooling, a tankless water heater and other sustainability features
  • “How To”:  See a energy assessment demonstration, receive information on making your home 15-30% more energy efficient and learn about the rebates available to assist you in this initiative.

Waste Reduction:  In nature there is no waste and there is no "away"  -- so we reduce, reuse, and recycle everything!  We are moving towards "zero waste!"

  • Tour visit:  “Green Block Party” – features a composting demo and info on making your next block party or other gathering a zero waste event.
  • “How To”:  Learn how to start your own vermiculture system (composting using worms) to help reduce the organic matter that you send to the landfill.  Plus you will leave with contact info for a mentor to call when questions arise!

Water:  We value our water as an essential resource that supports life, so we conserve it, we support the natural water cycle and we keep toxic substances out of our water supply.

  • Tour stop:  See the first house in Oak Park to install a grey water system which will take water from washing (showers, tubs, laundry) and recycle it for use in flushing toilets.  The system is anticipated to reduce water usage by 27%, or approximately 14,000 gallons per year.
  • “How To”:  See a demonstration of how to disconnect your downspout and redirect the water appropriately into a rain barrel, rain garden, bioswale or other options.

Food:  We are transitioning to a food system in which our food is produced locally & ethically; and we work to provide and promote local, healthy food available year round.

  • Tour stop:  We’ll have a bee keeper this year – another first in Oak Park!  Visit the hive and hear fascinating facts about bees.  While there you are also invited to enjoy a honey tasting!
  • “How To”:  The Sugar Beet team, our hosts for the food-related tours and demos, will demonstrate “how to” get your garden going with planting garlic starts to be harvested next spring.  They'll also show you how to preserve the harvest with a canning demonstration.

Share your ideas, volunteer, participate!

Planning is underway now, and passionate, talented volunteers are needed for the planning committee and on the actual day of the event. You may also know someone that is doing great things in your neighborhood that you think others would like to see.  Please let us know by emailing sallystovall@gmail.com.

Healthy Food vs. the Farm Bill

Written through a collaboration between Karen Ard, Doug Burke and Sally Stovall Most folks in Oak Park / River Forest area understand the central importance of healthy, nutritious food which is sustainably raised, to the well-being of our bodies and the planet.  Our current food system in the US is dominated by corporate agriculture (see Food and Water Watch’s “Farm Bill 101” for details on the few but powerful major players in agribusiness).  Big agribusiness uses processes that are not safe for the animals, the soils or human beings.  These processes include use of genetically modified seeds, chemical pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, and confined spaces for animals.  The food thus produced (even before the major food companies further process it) is damaging both to our health and the environment.

To achieve a diet of local, healthy food, we must currently grow or raise our own food or buy our food directly from local farmers who are committed to using sustainable or organic methods.  This is a daunting task but the more we do it, the more we contribute to creating a mosaic of resources that will ultimately allow us to approach our goal of a truly local and healthy food system.

We have a lot of positive things contributing to growing a healthy, local food system for our area, including growing numbers of home and community gardens; the Oak Park Farmers’ Market and numerous CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) that deliver locally; FamilyFarmed.org -- a local organization that works regionally to support the production, marketing and distribution of locally grown, responsibly produced food; and now, on the horizon, we have the Sugar Beet co-op that will provide a year-round market for local healthy food, as well as education and skill training.

We must take back the farm bill!

But where the rubber meets the road, it turns out that US government policy, reflected in the nearly trillion-dollar Farm Bill, actually works against all of our efforts and ends up contributing to the problem.  If we want to change how Americans eat, and support development of local, sustainable food systems that will make our bodies and the planet healthier, we must to take back the Farm Bill and make it work for us instead of against us. Originally, the Farm Bill was designed to support small farmers.  But it was long ago captured by the corporate forces of big agriculture.  Big agribusiness organizations make up 20% of the farms but receive 90% of the subsidies; meanwhile small growers who produce real food crops like fruits and vegetables get little or no subsidies.  These small farms (80% of farms) get 10% of the subsidies.  The result is huge subsidized fields of corn and soybeans (nearly all genetically modified), which are used to feed animals or as ingredients of our many processed foods.

Every five years, Congress reviews the guidelines of the existing Farm Bill, and comes up with new  ways to allocate the nearly-trillion dollar sum typically apportioned for American agriculture programs.  The current Farm Bill provisions are set to expire on September 30, 2012.  The US House of Representatives Agriculture Committee recently passed a revised version of the Farm Bill, which is moving us in the wrong direction.  See the press release from Food and Water Watch, titled “Farm Bill Fails Farmers and Consumers” regarding the issues in this version of the farm bill.

In order to make government policies and investments support the priority of local, healthy food systems, we need to take back the Farm Bill and make it work for us instead of against us.  We truly believe that this is what the majority of Americans want, so please join with the many organizations and individuals that care about our future generations, and let’s start “wildfires of common sense!”  (EcoMind, Francis Moore Lappe, 2011)  Please join Will Allen, Anna Lappé and Francis Moore Lappé,  Michael Pollan, our own, Jim Slama, and many more chefs and food and nutrition experts,  and local citizens, in calling on congress to stand with us to enact a food and farm bill that protects family farmers, and fairly serves the interests of all Americans.  Click here to add your voice!

Related article from the Environmental Working Group:  EWG Farm Bill Platform

Sugar Beet Coop's Edible Garden Tour

Saturday, August 11 11am-3pmOnly $5!

At the peak of growing season we will get an insider’s peek into the edible gardens of our neighbors in Oak Park.  We will be invited into over 20 beautiful gardens to learn more about urban agriculture and get inspired!  Seasoned gardeners and refreshments to be on-site at every stop to make this a day of learning, fun and enjoyment.  Stay tuned for more details and please contact us if YOU know of an amazing edible garden in Oak Park!

For more information and tickets:  www.sugarbeetcoop.com