SLU to Host Seventh Annual Garden to Tables Food Day

Saint Louis University will host the seventh annual Garden to Tables Food Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the University's teaching garden at the corner of Compton and Rutger at the med center.

Attendees can sample featured dishes made with items from the teaching garden.

Food Day is the result of a partnership between SLU's Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, the City of St. Louis Department of Health and Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Food Day is designed to promote sustainable, healthy and just agricultural practices, as well as a healthier St. Louis community.

This year’s event will feature a local keynote speaker, who will be revealed during the event. Several stations throughout the garden will provide information on topics such as food deserts and food access; composting and vermiculture; how to get involved with efforts to fight childhood obesity; and how to grow and promote healthy, sustainable food using humane agricultural practices.

Each station will also provide a menu item created using local produce.

Last year’s Food Day event featured Millie Mattfeldt-Beman, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker. Mattfeldt-Beman, who had recently retired from her position as chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, talked about the work she and others had done to advance the University’s nutrition program, help make the city of St. Louis healthier and provide access to healthy foods in the city's food deserts. After speaking, Mattfeldt-Beman was awarded the title of Local Food Hero 2016.

Lauren Landfried, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, stated she believes this event will help others realize how they can make a difference in the community.

“It is important to get involved in Food Day because, by doing so, you are making a statement that sustainable, healthy and affordable agricultural practices are important,” Landfried said. “Participants can interact with the people ‘on the ground’ making a huge impact in the St. Louis food scene. Organizations like Campus Kitchen, EarthDance, Operation Food Search, and others that promote the mission of Food Day will be there offering ways for participants to be involved. It will be a great day.”

Garden to Tables Food Day is open to the public. It's free to enter and enjoy samples; however, guests who would like to enjoy the meal must purchase a ticket. Cost is $5 for students and $10 for non-students. Tickets can be bought online via SLU Marketplace.

For more information, contact Landfried at lauren.landfried@health.slu.edu.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.