Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

Experience the Old Capitol Farmers Market with Slow Food Springfield

Support local farms and food producers and celebrate with Slow Food Springfield (SFS) the benefits of farmers markets for farmers, consumers, and our community at the Old Capitol Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chef Demo Tent next to the Market Booth (Northeast corner 4^th and Adams).

Activities will include a cooking demo, fun activities for children and an interactive display to raise awareness about food waste that includes simple ways individuals can reduce wasted food in their homes.

At 9:30 a.m., Chef Denise Perry, Copper Pot Cooking Studio, will prepare and share samples of fresh pasta with pesto and roasted tomatoes using ingredients from the market.

Kids can participate in a “snail hunt” and get a Slow Food snail sticker or pin. Shoppers can take a photo with a “your face here” cutout of the Slow Food Snail logo. The snail was chosen as the international logo because it moves slowly, calmly eating its way through life. It also happens to be a culinary specialty in the area around the northern Italian town of Bra, where the Slow Food movement was born.

Slow Food Springfield will provide shoppers with tools and resources to address the important issue of food waste including a demonstration on food scrap composting. Food Waste in the U.S. is excessive, expensive and environmentally harmful.  According to the USDA and the EPA, 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted, uneaten food at retailers, restaurants, and homes costs $161 annually and that food makes up 20% of landfill weight – the single largest municipal waste resource.

Slow Food Springfield is a chapter of the Slow Food movement founded in Italy in 1986. Formed in January 2006, SFS seeks to improve the food system by preserving traditional ways of growing, preparing, and enjoying foods, and by promoting biodiversity of livestock and crops.  SFS provides opportunities to meet others interested in learning about the food system, supporting local producers, and sharing fun food events.  “We host events to educate the public about where our food comes from, who our local producers are, and to celebrate food events with friends new and old,” explains Alana Reynolds, SFS Chapter Leader.

For more information, please contact at 217-341-0398, email [email protected] or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/SlowFoodSpringfield/