Rio Hosts Food Day Celebration

Celebrate the first annual Food Day at Rio Salado College and find out what it means to be a locavore! The free event is open to the public and will be hosted by the students and chefs of the Café @ Rio on Monday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held near the amphitheater just east of the Rio Tower located at 2323 W. 14th St. in Tempe.

Food Day is a national event created to bring together Americans from all walks of life and raise awareness of healthy, sustainable eating practices.

“Rio’s core value of sustainability aligns closely with Food Day. Rio’s sustainable food systems program teaches students the importance of eating safe, healthy foods, supporting local farmers, ranchers and artisans and how every day food decisions affect the world around them,” said Michael Hodgins, Rio’s director of sustainable food systems. “National Food Day is committed to these same principles, which made hosting a Food Day event at Rio an easy decision.”

The event will feature a series of activities including; healthy cooking and gardening demos, tours, workshops and giveaways. There will also be a mini greenhouse and aquaponics system on display for guests who are interested in learning more about sustainable food methods. Local farmers and ranchers will also be in attendance.

 

Food Day’s mission is based these objectives:

• Reduce diet-related disease by promoting healthy food

• Support sustainable farms

• Expand access to food and end hunger

• Protect the environment and farm animals

• Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing aimed at kids

• Support fair conditions for food and farm workers

“Food Day at Rio will consist of like-minded individuals gathering to show their support of clean, sustainable foods,” said Hodgins. “The ultimate goal of Food Day @ Rio event is to create awareness in the area of real food. Creating awareness through education may ultimately stimulate the communities desire to create change.”

Rio Salado College invites all those who are interested to attend this unique event and welcomes anyone looking to get involved in the “locavore” movement to come and enjoy a day dedicated to local food.


Media Contacts:

Delynn Bodine
480-517-8205
Cell: 480-215-9456
delynn.bodine@riosalado.edu

Jesse Woodbury
480-517-8228
Cell: 480-326-5938
jesse.woodbury@riosalado.edu