Join the conversation: Ben Hewitt author of "The Town That Food Saved"
Join Slow Food Seattle for our first foray towards an ongoing book club. We'll be doing a combination of partnerships with Kim Ricketts Book Events and connecting with the incredible resources of our local authors. If you'd like to be involved, drop us a line or come to the event this coming Tuesday.
This is the first event in a series on food, sustainability and community called "Edible Conversations" and will take place on June 8th at 7pm at Tom Douglas' Palace Ballroom. Jill Lightner, the editor of Edible Seattle will interview Ben Hewitt about his life as a farmer, and the way a group of farmers and entrepreneurs banded together to create a comprehensive food system and revive the dying economy of Hardwick, Vermont.
Like many rural communities in America, Hardwick, Vermont was build on a industry that had packed up and left long ago, and the town had suffered from a depressed economy for over a century. With an unemployment rate of 40% and in the middle of a crippling recession, a small group of young farmers and community leaders embarked on a quest to create a comprehensive, functional and vibrant food system, bring jobs to their region and create new ways for them to make a living off their farmlands. As Ben tells the story of his one town's transformation, there will be lessons for all of us who believe that a healthy, local agricultural system can be the basis of community strength, economic vitality and food security.
Joining Jill and Ben will be local chefs, Sequim farmer Kia Kozun of Nash's Organic Produce, Chris Curtis, the Director of Seattle's Neighborhood Farmer's Markets and Mary Embleton, Director of the Cascade Harvest Coalition.
**Slow Food Seattle supporters receive a significant discount - contact us for the promo code or sign up for our mailing list to receive directly.**
(Tickets here; RSVP details on Facebook)
The $25/person price includes appetizers and Theo chocolate confections; a cash bar will be available as well. Copies of The Town That Food Saved will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
