Amherst Celebrates National Food Day, October 24th

 In its fourth year, National Food Day (held annually on October 24^th) is an opportunity for people across the nation to celebrate the value and importance of eating fresh, local and healthy food. Some of the country’s most prominent food leaders have gathered and envisioned a food system that is just, secure, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, animals and farm workers who grow and harvest it.

During lunchtime on October 24^th, students at the Amherst Regional Middle School will have the opportunity to sample unique varieties of apples provided by the Cold Spring Orchard. Students from the UMass Sustainable Food and Farming Program in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture will assist Rebecca Fricke (Grow Food Amherst and District Aide to Representative Ellen Story) distribute the apples and answer students’ questions.  Amherst school teachers and staff will receive apple donations courtesy of Atkins Farms.

In honor of Food Day, Amherst businesses, religious organizations and non-profits are individually hosting or sponsoring events on, and around, October 24^th.  The following is a list of events and special offerings:

October 17^th – October 30^th

Atkins Farms will offer an ‘in-store’ special on MacIntosh apples for 69₵/lb (regularly 99₵/lb).  Located at 1150 West Street.

October 19^th – October 26^th

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst (UUSA) will be running a food drive for the Amherst Survival Center. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted before and after services on the 19^th and 26^th and during the week from 10 AM – 2 PM.    Located at 121 North Pleasant Street.

Wednesday, October 22^nd

In an effort to acknowledge that food insecurity is a real problem for people in our region and across the country, the UUSA will also offer a viewing of A Place at the Table, and an apple dish to share, from 7-9 PM.  This event is open to the public.  Food donations will be accepted.

Friday, October 24^th

Leda Scheintaub will do a book reading and signing of her new book, Cultured Foods for Your Kitchen: 100 Recipes Featuring the Bold Flavors of Fermentation from 5 PM – 7 PM at the All Things Local store located at 104 North Pleasant Street.

Atkins Farms will offer a special discount on Atkins Deli’s homemade apple crisp!

The Glazed Doughnut Shop will offer 15% off a cup of hot spiced apple cider! Located at 19 North Pleasant Street.

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For more information about additional Food Day activities, contact Stephanie Ciccarello, Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Amherst at (413) 259-3149 or via e-mail at ciccarellos@amherstma.gov.