Photo by Brian Cohen for NEXTpittsburgh
This blog is needing some alone time with me! I hope that you are staying in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I’m much better at those!
You can also find me regularly on NEXTpittsburgh and Pittsburgh Magazine, talking about food, health, social enterprises and innovation. Topics I get most excited about.
But what I’m working hard on is delivering on some things I talked about during my TEDxPittsburgh talk last year, “Why the farm is not getting to the table.” The thing is, more and more, data is showing that what we are currently doing–despite all the very visible farm to table movement–is not enough to actually bridge that final step to the table. It’s the the “last mile problem” I like to call it–borrowing a term from networks.
To put it simply, food gets to the trash before it gets to our table. In fact, 40% of our food goes to waste.
We are not buying it (even if the grocery store is close to us) and if we do buy it, we don’t cook it.
The first of two projects I’m working on addresses food that goes waste before it gets to us, the consumer. HEALTHY food that goes to waste–while 1 in 6 go hungry. This disconnect is unacceptable. I recently co-founded 412 Food Rescue with Gisele Fetterman. Jennifer England has been instrumental to getting this project off the ground. And much help also from Brendan Renne, Angie Stich and Scott Marshall.
Here is some recent coverage to get you up to speed. But please connect with us on Facebook so we can give you the latest on our progress.
The second project is currently being incubated at Idea Foundry. More on that soon! You’re going to love it.
May Events
For this month, there are many events up the pike that I’m going to participating in. I hope to see you in one (or more of them!)
May 5, Tuesday
8am-12nn: Where to Turn Resource Fair
Convention Center
My colleague, Jennifer England and I will be at the Convention Center representing 412 Food Rescue. At 11 am I will be giving a presentation on our organization, why we need it, how it works and how you can get involved. Please come and please share with groups or individuals whom you think may benefit from our services!
6:30-8:30PM OMA Center for Mind, Body, Spirit Spring Lecture Series
La Dorita, 2312 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
I will be the featured speaker and will talk about the Top 7 Things You Can Do To “Cleanse” This Spring. There will be a Q&A after where you can ask me anything. So looking forward to this! Amid all the advocacy work and writing, I still keep a small private health consulting practice and work with select clients. I love working with people one on one and cannot foresee ever fully letting my private practice go.
May 9, Saturday
9:00-4:00 Ignite MODE: Food
Millvale Studios 216 North Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209
I will be a mentor at a day long camp for entrepreneurs and activists who focus on food. There are great break out sessions and panelists that will discuss topics ranging from funding to marketing.
7PM-12AM – Salsita
Pittsburgh Opera
I will be one of the judges at the 6th annual Salsa Cook-off during the FUNdraiser for La Escuelita Arcoiris, the Spanish pre-school in Squirrel Hill. I can’t wait for the Luchador’ photo booth! LOL
May 15, Friday
Food Revolution Day at Google Pittsburgh
I will performing Food Revolution Ambassador duties and will be at Google Pittsburgh all day doing some cooking demos and will also be talking about 412 Food Rescue. (Not open to the public, unfortunately!)
May 17, Sunday
5:30PM, Vegan Pittsburgh BINGO at East End Brewing
I’m cooking up something for this fun event! The food tasting from some awesome restaurants (and me) is free and you can swill some amazing brews and play BINGO at the same time (for $8). http://
May 20, Wednesday
Kaya 20th Anniversary, Vegetarian Dinner
I’m going to celebrate Kaya’s 20th Anniversary two ways — noshing on the delicious vegetarian dinner (they hold it every third Wednesday of the month) and going to the always-fun KayaFest on May 24!
Also S/O to TEDxPittsburgh holding its event on Saturday, May 23 at the Byham. Do not miss this day of inspirational, educational, eye-opening talks!
Hope to see you soon!
PS. Don’t forget to get tickets to my July 19 Churchview Farm Dinner! Along with some surprise guests, I will be cooking up a storm! Get your tickets now, there are only a few left!
filed under the Calendar, Ramblings category