WSCC conference will offer ‘Food for Thought’

VICTORY TWP.  – The third annual “Food for Thought” Conference will be held at West Shore Community College on Friday, April 18, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Administrative and Conference Building.

As a single-day event, this conference invites participants to take a closer look at their daily bread from cultural, physical, social and recreational perspectives, and includes student presentations on special food and water topics, community member panels, and a lunch prepared by the college’s catering service, “Simply Catered.”

            This year’s conference will highlight Michigan businesses that value sustainability in practice. Chefs will gather from prized regional kitchens, such as Cook’s House of Traverse City and Mia & Grace’s of Muskegon, to explore the ongoing challenges of embracing a “farm to table” approach for restaurant dining.

Growers from local sustainable farms, including Peacefield Farm of Ludington, Ware Farm of Bear Lake, Golden Rule Farms of Kaleva, and Hickory Ridge Farm of Hart, will discuss the daily joys and frustrations of committing to renewable agriculture.               Student and community presenters will share their presentations on a range of issues, from banning the school lunch to labeling meat.  Al Frye, of Manistee’s Community Kitchen will inform participants about programs and progress at Manistee Community Kitchen.

            With over 100 attendees at last year’s conference, the WSCC Sustainability Movement and Student Senate expects a similar turnout this year. “From a seed in a garden to a dish at a restaurant, this conference encompasses all aspects of a more natural and healthier approach to the food we consume,” said Kelsey Anderson, one of conference organizers.

The WSCC Sustainability Movement is a student, faculty and staff group dedicated to raising awareness, promoting practices and inspiring others to conserve resources by reducing waste.

To attend the conference, individuals are asked to register by Friday, April 11. Community members may call the college’s Student Services office to sign up at (231) 843-5510; registration costs $5 and includes lunch.

For WSCC students, the conference is free. Students may register with Jennifer Lundberg Anders by email at jalundberg@westshore.edu or by phone at (231) 843-5784.