Go Green Wilmette Explores Local Food Choices

and Go Green Wilmette presented the beautiful documentary Ingredients at the library on Tuesday, Jan. 24 as part of the Library’s continuing “Greener Choices” presentations. Beth Drucker, president of Go Green Wilmette and Alison Brown, Wilmette resident and organic food advocate, each led discussions about local food, gardening, farming and organic sourcing after the showings.

Earlier: 

As a response to increased concerns for our food’s safety, the film tells the story of farmers and chefs who are working together to create a truly sustainable and healthy local food system. This collaborative work has resulted in increased consumer awareness about the many benefits of eating fresh and local. It answers the question, “Where does our food come from?”

The film takes us across the United States from the Willamette Valley in Oregon to New York’s Hudson River and urban food deserts in Harlem. Celebrated local chefs Alice Waters, Peter Hoffman, Kathy Whims and Greg Higgins share their views on the failings of our current industrialized food system and the movement toward healthy, great-tasting, locally-sourced food. In addition, the film showcases gorgeous fresh fruits and vegetables and the masterful preparations of them by famous chefs.

Gale Gand, well-known Chicago chef, who attended the presentation, talked about her long-time support of sustainable agriculture, eating locally and the environmental food movement. She mentioned notable places in the area to explore like (Glenview), (Evanston/Skokie), Smart Farm (Barrington) and Elawa Farms (Lake Forest) from where she sources much of her restaurant food. She also discussed the importance of familyfarm.org, a summer farming program that gives children an up-close understanding of farming.

The discussion following the film promoted suggestions of where to find fresh, locally produced food and some area restaurants that offer it like the Bristol, Old Town Social Club and Uncommon Ground in Chicago, at , in Glencoe, and in Wilmette. Ongoing indoor winter farmer’s markets are held at the (9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through April 28) and the Green City Market at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park (8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays until May).

See the film if you have a chance. It’s well worth your time. The Wilmette Library has two copies. You can also talk with Nancy Wagner, the Library contact person for the “Greener Choices” series, for suggestions on books and other films about the topic. Finally, explore a winter farmer’s market and see how you can bring fresh, local produce to your table.

Plan to attend Going Green Matters on March 11th.

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