McHenry County Organizations Sponsor Food Patriots Event

Learn more about Local Food and initiatives in McHenry County at the McHenry County Food Patriots scheduled for Thursday.

The documentary film “Food Patriots” will be show from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Luecht Conference Center, McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14 in Crystal Lake.

“Food Patriots” focuses on an issue that directly touches all of us – food. The film tells personal stories that show ordinary people taking control of food and creating healthier lives, a less polluted environment, a new sense of community and new jobs – jobs that are increasing now as more Americans shift the way they eat, buy and educate the next generation about food.  Touched by his son’s struggle with food-borne illness, filmmaker Jeff Spitz weaves his family’s humorous story into a tapestry of stories about people who are changing the way Americans eat, buy and think about food.

The purpose of Food Patriots (a film in progress + public engagement campaign) is to start conversations about food.

Learn about the Food Patriots public engagement campaign and participate in conversations with Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Spitz and producer, Jennifer Spitz, co-founders of Groundswell Films. 

In addition information will be presented on local food initiatives in McHenry County. This event is hosted by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute.

Food Patriots uses media to tell stories, to involve youth and to build community around food. The documentary introduces people to the idea that a small personal change toward healthier choices can add up to a big difference in their health and their environment.  The more people demand local food, the more local jobs will emerge to meet that demand.  As consumers we vote for the food system we want with every purchase. 

The public has the power to demand better quality food at more affordable prices.  Shifting our purchases by just 10% toward fresh, local and organic choices is an easy first step that will make a big difference.  Organizations like the ones hosting this event help provide a social context for change so McHenry County residents will find a fabulous community growing right here around food.

This event is free and open to everyone, tax-deductible donations will be accepted to help support Food Patriots, a non-profit media campaign.  Co-sponsors of this event are; McHenry County Transition, McHenry County Local Food and Farmland Taskforce, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, McHenry County Backyard Chickens, Small Waters Education, Green Sanctuary Group, and the McHenry County College Down to Earth Club. All of these organizations are promoting common sense sustainability initiatives to improve our local communities.

Learn more at www.foodpatriots.com