LEWISTON — Communities across the nation will celebrate food on the Second International Food Day on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Founded by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in its inaugural year Food Day was celebrated at 2,300 events spanning every state. Through the event, CSPI and its partners hope to improve national food policy that results in healthy, affordable and sustainable food for all people.

Food Day is an opportunity to gather together, celebrate and to focus attention on food and the challenges faced by many around issues of access and quality. In the Lewiston/Auburn area many are dealing with persistent hunger issues that impact the young and elderly of every race and religion. Nourishing food is not always available at local outlets, nor easily accessible or affordable. A new group has arisen to address these issues.

Organized in the summer of 2012 the Good Food Council of Lewiston/Auburn has begun to address the challenges and opportunities outlined by the community over the last two years. The Community Food Assessment project was a multi-year study of the local food system. A series of community gatherings followed the assessment capturing the hopes, dreams and struggles of area residents, organizations and agencies.

The Food Council is made up of representatives from a variety of businesses, agencies and sectors — health care, education, business and economic development, downtown residents, municipal government, farmers, public health and more. By bringing diverse perspectives and talents to bear the Food Council hopes to facilitate solutions that will result in long term change.

“This is an exciting time for the L/A area,” said Brendan Schauffler, GFLA coordinator, “I believe we can look forward to great things from this group. They represent an amazing degree of skill and knowledge, and are dedicated to helping make a difference for the people of this region.”

For more information about Food Day, including a listing of events and ideas for hosting an event, visit www.foodday.org. Locally, Food Day will be celebrated at Alive in Lewiston on Friday, Oct. 26. the 6th annual fundraiser supports the community gardening, food access and cooking and nutrition programs of Lots to Gardens and the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center. To learn more, call 513-3844.

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