Food Day: A Great New Holiday

Food Day, my favorite new holiday, is a simple but profound celebration of something all humans share – we become the food we eat. The first annual Food Day (foodday.org), debuts October 24, sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nonprofit group that has led successful fights for food labeling, better nutrition, and safer food since 1971. Food Day is being championed by more than 70 partner organizations and many stars of good food. Events range from farm-to-table dinner benefits to “veggiecations” (events and meals focused around, well, you figure it out). The goal is for Americans to consider the personal, social, environmental, and political consequences of the food choices we make every day. Where does our food come from? How is it produced? What’s in it? And what does it mean for our children’s health?

Eat Real, America!

Food Day is committed to:

1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting healthy foods
2. Support sustainable farms & cut subsidies to big agribusiness
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
4. Protect the environment & animals by reforming factory farms
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids

Food Day’s message for children is a little simpler: Eat real food, mostly plants, not too much. Kids can learn this simple refrain, and have fun when you pull out examples to consider together.

Good food changes our lives, individually and together, in many dimensions. Food Day will be celebrated with events in venues all across the country. It’d be great to find an event near you – but you don’t need to go out. I’m excited about Food Day in the home. Just thoughtfully share something delicious together, from start to finish. Bon appetite!