Redondo Beach celebrates Food Day with film screening, discussion

farm city state

The Redondo Beach Public Library and Beach Cities Health District have teamed up to host a Food Day event on Saturday, October 25 with a screening of the film “Farm-City, State” and a panelist discussion and Q&A. Food Day was created by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in 2011. The national event is powered by a diverse coalition of food movement leaders and organizations including student leaders, public offices, school districts and local organizers. Its purpose is to inspire Americans to change their diets and rethink our food policies.

“Farm-City, State,” created with sponsorship from the Filmmakers Alliance in Los Angeles, explores the community of Austin, Texas where many farmers and consumers have been able to overcome cost, availability and educational barriers to produce and eat locally-sourced food. The film asks, “What’s so different about Austin?” and “How can these barriers be overcome in other cities?” The film takes its audience on an educational journey highlighting a community during its move away from processed foods.

“I chose [to screen] ‘Farm-City State’ because I spent some time in Austin volunteering at the urban farm Johnson’s Backyard Garden, which is featured in the film,” said Susan Anderson, Redondo Beach Public Library Director and event organizer. “And overall I felt the film does a good job of portraying how one city has developed a strong and vibrant local food scene.”

Saturday’s screening of “Farm-City, State” will be followed by a panel discussion. Panelists and participants will include Los Angeles caterer, RootDown LA chair, Jennie Cook, author of “Who Wants Seconds? Sociable Suppers for Vegans, Omnivores & Everyone in Between,” Kimberly E. Albright, local urban forager for Whole Foods, local resident Eric Ellestad, hydroponic farmer, of Local Roots, as well as members of other organizations involved in the promotion or production of healthy, local and sustainable food.

“Attendees will learn about how they can support local food in and around Redondo Beach and why that is beneficial both personally and socially,” said Anderson.

Whole Foods, Farm Fresh to You, and Doma restaurant will also be participating.  The Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library will be making organic popcorn and Hidden Villa Ranch will provide coupons and recipe cards.

Redondo’s free Food Day event begins on Saturday, October 25 at 1:30 p.m. The film starts 2 p.m. and the panel discussion will run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Redondo Beach Public Library, 303 North Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. Come early to chat and learn about local efforts to support sustainable food production.

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