On Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 12 – 5 pm, the Accokeek Foundation will host Food for Thought a one-day festival featuring nationally and locally recognized writers, activists, and performers inspiring us to eat sustainably and well. “This event brings together James McWilliams, along with local farmer and activist Forrest Pritchard, Co-Chairperson of Slow Food DC Sarah McKinley, and culinary educator JuJu Harris to have a lively talk show-style discussion on the best ways to eat sustainably,” shares Andrea Jones, Director of Programs and Visitor Engagement for the Accokeek Foundation. “JuJu [Harris] will also demonstrate how to eat well on a budget using recipes from her cookbook, combining WIC staples with seasonal produce that are easy to make and delicious.”
Activities throughout the day also include thought-provoking museum theater performances which asks the essential question: Should we return to a smaller-scale, locally-based food system like our ancestors once had? Written by Jodi Kanter, a theater professor at George Washington University, the performances depict a current day farmer of Native American descent who is visited by an ancestor from the past telling the story of how the meaning of food has changed.
Food for Thought is uniquely designed to intertwine the past to the present and possible future of agriculture by creating peak experiences and engaging participatory education, combined with novelty and fun. There will be activities to fit all ages and interests including hayrides and games, workshops on raising backyard chickens, food tastings and challenges, and a costume contest and parade. Costume contestants will be judged based on originality, costume design and expression with winners announced in two categories for adults and children. Admission is only $5 per person with free entrance for children 10 and under. The first 100 to arrive will receive a commemorative EcoTote bag.
Saturday, September 20, 2014 12 noon – 5 pm held on the green pastures of the historic National Colonial Farm at 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek MD 20607. General admission is $5 per person; Accokeek Foundation members, children 10 and under, and those showing receipts of $25+ from MOM’S Organic Market are free.