Farmers’ Market potluck and sneak preview of Fresh, Saturday

On Saturday September 11th, The Visionary Edge will present a day-long FRESH event including a community Farmers’ Market Potluck followed by a sneak preview screening of the new documentary FRESH: New Thinking About What We’re Eating. The film will be introduced via skype by the director, and a panel discussion that highlights what is going on in our county to enhance a healthier food system will wrap up the evening. 

FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet. FRESH presents a vision of the possible by profiling heroes all over the country who are changing the way we eat. If Food Inc. was your wake up call, FRESH is your call to action.

Start with a community potluck at 6

Movie-goers are encouraged to start their day FRESH with a visit to the Coastside Farmers Market on Saturday morning from 9:00-1:00 and take advantage “Secret Ingredient” deals on fresh, organic, locally grown and produced food to include in the first-ever Coastside Farmers’ Market Community Potluck.  The Community is invited to bring a dish to share – or simply come to sample and vote for your favorite creation of the evening.  Compostable sampling kits will be available by donation to The HEAL Project – and include 4 chances to vote for your favorite concoction of the night. The winner will receive a shopping spree at the Coastside Farmers’ Market.  The Farmers Market Potluck, hosted by The Visionary Edge, Coastside Farmers Market and Community United Methodist Church, begins at 6 PM at CUMC, 777 Miramontes at Johnston.

Among several main characters, FRESH features urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, the recipient of MacArthur’s 2008 Genius Award; sustainable farmer and entrepreneur, Joel Salatin, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma; and supermarket owner, David Ball, challenging our Wal-Mart dominated economy.

Film director ana Sofia joanes (yes, the upper and lower case are deliberate on the filmmaker’s part), states “FRESH portrays a movement that is happening in America and worldwide.  The alternative food market is the fastest growing market in the United States, even though it still makes up a minuscule percentage of the food economy.

Lin Yutang, a Chinese writer and inventor, said that “Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.  I like to remind myself that both cynicism and optimism are equally righteous.  We don’t know what the future holds, yet we can remain hopeful in the knowledge that change is always possible, even when it is hard to imagine, and all of us can choose to participate in it.”

At 7:30 pm, a sneak preview screening of FRESH will be introduced by director ana Sofia joanes (SIC)  followed by a panel discussion including speakers Kat Taylor of TomKat Ranch, Pescadero, Kathy Webster of Left Coast Grass Fed Beef, Paul Hamilton of Greenhearts Family Farm, and Erin Tormey of Coastside Farmers Market, who will update us on what is being done to create a more sustainable food future locally.

The evening will benefit The HEAL Project. The HEAL Project is a Coastside-grown, hands on, CA academic standards science based curriculum and comprehensive set of programs that focus on Health, Environment, Agriculture & Learning.  Developed by a diverse group of community members, the award-winning HEAL Project has delivered 3,245 hours of instruction & guided activities to over 3,200 students.

The FRESH day-long series of events is being sponsored by The Visionary Edge, Coastside Farmers Market, New Leaf Community Market, San Mateo Coast Properties, Community United Methodist Church and Arrowhead Framing.
Babysitting will be provided for $5 per child for the film with a 24 hour advance reservation. Call 650-207-3440.
Saturday, September 11th. Potluck begins at 6:00 pm, the film at 7:30. Community United Methodist Church, 777 Miramontes Street (at Johnston), HMB. Suggested donation for the film portion of the evening is $12 advance, $16 door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Call 650-207-3440 for information and reservations. Tickets may also be purchased at the Coastside Farmers’ Market in Half Moon Bay or Pacifica.

Located in Half Moon Bay, The Visionary Edge produces events to inform, inspire, and empower us all to create a wiser, sustainable and more compassionate world.

Running time: 72 minutes

Trailer Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwR44T69_Is