Wholesome Wave announced the launch of “Farm to Table
Cycle: A Journey for Change,” a 400-mile solo bicycle and photography
grassroots campaign designed to raise awareness about local food
systems.
The campaign will showcase the many critical building blocks that
make up a thriving food system from the perspectives of community
members throughout New England. It will focus on issues that touch the
food system daily, including food security, farming and sustainability,
food waste, dairy and livestock production, farm-to-table chefs, local
food processing and infrastructure, school meals and institutional food
purchasing.
The 16-day cycling journey will launch following a celebration at
McLevy Green in Bridgeport on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30
p.m., with adventure traveler and world-class photographer Glenn Charles
leading the way.
Charles will make nearly three dozen visits to farms, farmers
markets, fisheries, schools, food pantries, retail outlets and
restaurants as he winds his way north. After navigating through
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, he will
complete the ride in Portland, Maine, at the Deering Park Farmers Market
on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“What you will see is that ‘farm-to-table’ is the way of the future.
New England is home to four million acres of farmland and a growing
number of small and mid-sized farms,” said Michel Nischan, Wholesome
Wave chief executive officer. “Farm to Table Cycle will unveil the many
facets of our country’s food system. It will share with you the story of
so many Americans who work diligently and tirelessly to shape our food
system into one that is more equitable, more sustainable and more
delicious.”
“Photography has always been a powerful tool for creating awareness
and telling a story,” Charles said. “Human powered adventure travel
opens doors and removes the natural barriers that exist between
strangers. By combining the two, we are able to authentically and
organically tell a story about our food system from the perspective of
so many different community members.”
Wholesome Wave invites individuals around the country to take part on this journey by visiting farmtotablecycle.com
or following along at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For information
on events open to the public, e-mail communications@wholesomewave.org
or call 203-226-1112.
Farm to Table Cycle is the only regional solo cycling campaign of its
kind. All money raised will support Wholesome Wave’s work to help make
fresh, healthy food affordable and available to everyone. This trip is
sponsored by Naked Juice, Organic Valley, Shearwater Coffee, Whole
Foods, Cohill’s Inn, Farm Star Living, Newman’s Own Organics and
CowPots. To make a donation, visit farmtotablecycle.com.