As evidenced by the continued success of Lunchables, the KFC Famous Bowl and boxed wine, we really can be a lazy, impatient bunch when it comes to consumption. The flip side of all of these cheap and easy eats is often increased risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
This is why we'll take the side of the Slow Food Movement any day. In an effort to get more people learning about where their food comes from, the Slow Food movement started by Carlos Petrini as an alternative to fast food in 1986. Fast forward to 2011 and slow food contingent continues to grow. Take the Glades to Coast Slow Food Chapter. The group will present a two day symposium starting Saturday at Pine Jog Environmental Center (6301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach). This year marks the first time the symposium will be open to the public.
"There's so much misinformation out there," says Diane Campion Slow Food Glades to Coast chapter leader. " We're hoping that by opening the meeting one day we will not only allow those who are interested in food education and food policy to exchange information, but reach out to members of the community to help clarify issues and get some straight talk about food policies and how they affect the future."
Saturday offers two panel discussions moderated by Erica Whitfield's RWJF Healthy KIds, Healthy Communities Project, displays, refreshments, various presenters and a screening of the documentary What's Organic About Organic? with the film's creators. The second day of the symposium will be at Swank Farms but is available to Slow Food leaders only. Activities run from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. both days. Call (561) 686-6600 for more information. Admission costs $15 dollars.