The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library will be hosting a Fitchburg State Community Read panel discussion, “A Novel Idea: Rethinking Our Food Systems,” on Monday, April 27 from 3:30-5 p.m. in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge.
The Fitchburg State Community Read Panel discussion will address the status of our local food systems, what local leaders and organizations are doing to improve it, and what individuals can do, too. This event is part of Community Read's programming around the theme of "The Future of Food."
Panelists to include: Meghan Maceiko, Director of Grants & Impact for Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts; Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director of Growing Places; Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact United Way of North Central Massachusetts; Beth Walsh, Councilor at Large, Fitchburg City Council; Brandon Robbins, Executive Director, Ginny's Helping Hand Food Pantry & Thrift Store; and Paul Gove, Owner and Operator of Gove Farm.
Community Read Committee members include: Martha Crawford (ALFA), Ann Finch (Leominster Public Library), Marcia Ladd (Fitchburg Public Library), Ashley Kenney (Fitchburg Public Library), Laura Robinson (Dean, Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library), Kevin McCarthy (Fitchburg State, Communications Media), Paula Stefanakos (Alumni Board), Aly White (Leominster Public Library), Emma Downs (Fitchburg State, Biology and Chemistry), Meghan Kelly (Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library), and Wafa Unus (Fitchburg State, English Studies).
"Being a part of The Fitchburg State Community Read, I want to participate in organizing thoughtful events for our books and themes,” said Stefanakos, the lead organizer of this event. “This year's focus on our food, and in particular food systems as addressed in the book Food Inc. 2.0, intrigued me. Food has such a positive connotation for most of us, but those positive feelings are lost when we're confronted with the facts about where our food comes from and who doesn't have enough of it. I felt so uninformed and helpless. What is the state of our local food system? What is being done? What can I do?”
Robinson said that this event is all about going local to better understand and improve our local food systems.
“We will hear from regional leaders who will share what it takes to feed a community and take care of our earth,” said Robinson. “I expect to leave energized with actionable ideas that will make a difference."