Event to Have Student Research Focus, Plus Cookie Bake-Off
#WastedWaste
Nearly a third of the food produced throughout the world is wasted. That startling fact is the focus of Wilmington College’s sixth annual Food Symposium April 8 under the theme, “Waste Is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”
In contrast to previous years’ symposiums when a nationally known speaker presents a keynote address, this year’s event will offer more of a homegrown flavor, as research by Wilmington College students will be highlighted as “a cornerstone” of the symposium.
“This year we’re pulling students into the food-waste conversation in a more direct, hands-on way,” said Corey Cockerill, associate professor of communication arts and agriculture, and a member of the symposium organizing committee.
Agriculture professor Monte Anderson added that it’s “unbelievable” to those in agriculture — “We’re in the business of feeding the world!” — that more than one in four calories produced ends up wasted.
Indeed, a recent report by the United Nations Environment Program and World Resources Institute indicates that a third of all food produced worldwide — valued at about $1 trillion — gets lost or wasted in food production and consumption systems.
The day’s schedule includes the Food Waste Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Hermann Court; a Cookie Bake-off in Kelly Center, from 1 to 2 p.m.; and a panel discussion in Kelly Center, from 2 to 3 p.m. on the topic, “Food Waste Prevention: Opportunities and Threats.” Panelists will be announced closer to the event.
The Food Waste Fair will feature student research projects, free food sampling and 20-minute, on-stage demonstrations by: Monte and Diane Anderson on food dehydration as a preservation strategy, Mike and Sandra Millard presenting on long-term food storage methods, WC seniors Ellen Short and Bri Knisely giving a food waste bio-digester demonstration, senior A.J. Ganger sharing compost toilet designs and Sanfillipo produce’s methods for preventing food waste through strategic distribution.
Details on how to register for the Cookie Bake-Off can be found HERE. This activity comes on the heels of extremely successful pie and cake-making contests in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
The Food Symposium is an annual event hosted by Wilmington College that focuses on contemporary topics in food production, distribution, consumption, ethics and politics. It is free of charge.