Humans are creatures dependent on food. It is the basis for our survival, and it plays a major role in determining our health and well-being. We often plan our days around food, we center our family gatherings around food, and food plays a massive role in the economy of our world. Yet most people have lost a very important connection to this thing that has such a large impact on our daily lives.
On Saturday, April 7th, 2018 Professor Norman Wirzba from Duke University Divinity School joined us for an exciting evening that inspired and encouraged guests to change the way they view what’s on their plates each day. Professor Wirzba is well known for his unique and charismatic presentation style and did not disappoint while in RVA, creating an engaging presentation that carefully reminded us of our purchasing power. Professor Wirzba’s overarching theme focused on the importance of recognizing food as a gift to be treasured vs. food as a commodity. He discussed how the power of cheapness, convenience, and our desire for copious quantities of food has severely damaged our food system. He reminded us to go back to the basics. Shop locally. Meet your farmer. Grow your own food. Take care of our soils and waters. Respect animals as living beings. Receive food as a gift and be thankful. And most importantly, bring love back to the table. Simple yet powerful messages to remember.
After a few minutes of audience questions guests were invited to stay for a book signing by Professor Wirzba and a reception featuring some of Richmond’s best local food and beverage vendors.
We enjoyed samples from:
Good Foods Grocery, OMO Catering, Broadfork Farm, Hummingbird Gardens, Truly Scrumptious, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Belle Isle Moonshine, AR’s Hot Southern Honey, Clean Conscience Chocolate, Ninja Kombucha, Mother Shrub, PastryBase, The Cafe @ St. Stephen’s, Crickhollow Farm, Wild Earth Fermentation, Daily Jars
We are so grateful to our Presenting Sponsor Good Foods Grocery, and our supporting sponsors C&F Bank, Wellcome MD, and Natural Awakeings Magazine! Without them this would not have been possible. Thank you to all who participated in this exciting event focused on food and community.
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Norman Wirzba is a professor of theology, ecology, and agrarian studies at Duke Divinity School and the author of many books. He grew up on a farm in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and studied philosophy and religion at Yale University and Loyola University Chicago. While Wirzba’s inspirations stem from many sources, a friendship with Kentucky farmer, poet, and writer Wendell Berry has been one of lasting importance. Berry’s works continue to influence Wirzba’s studies today as he pursues research and teaching interests at the intersections of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies. He is an engaging and thoughtful speaker who lectures frequently in Canada and the United States.
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