Lake Oswego Reads 2023 - Lake Oswego Public Library
Marlene Divina and I recently traveled to Oregon's Willamette Valley to speak at an event and to learn about the state of the food system in the Pacific Northwest. The trip yielded some exciting ideas that we should all consider when planning menus and choosing foods to grow, prepare, purchase, and bring to the table. The Lake Oswego Public Library's annual community theme of seeds, seed keepers, and associated food and lifeway provided a variety of cultural touch points for people to engage with. Through art, literature, hikes, readings, and lectures, we were able to fully explore the high-stakes global challenges we face regionally regarding current and future foodways and lifeways.
At the heart of our group discussion was the process of growing, harvesting, preparing, and sharing seeds within our communities. We discussed the importance and impact of selecting seeds that are resilient, uniform, and flavorful, and that are grown locally and shared by people we know. By doing so, we can not only support the local economy but also nurture our neighbors and share our stories over a shared meal. This vision could be our future if we act quickly to transition away from the current industrialized farming model.
A recent trip to Oregon's Willamette Valley to give a talk, share our views, and learn about your perspective on the matter about the state of the food system here in the Pacific Northwest yielded some exiting ideas that we should all consider when planning menus and choosing foods to grow, prepare, purchase and bring to table, Lake Oswego Public Library's annual community theme of seeds, seed keepers, and associated food and lifeway presented a multitude of cultural touch points for folk to engage. From arts and letters through to hikes, readings and lectures the opportunities to fully realize the high stake challenges we face regarding current and future foodways and lifeways was thoroughly explored.
Central to our group discussion was the manner in which seed is grown, harvested, prepared and shared within our communities. The impact and value of selecting seed from season to season that is vetted for its qualities of resilience, uniformity, and taste; that is at once grown in the vicinity, shared by a familiar face with the intent to nurture a neighbor through a purchase that fuels the town economy, in an act of giving, sharing the story, and perhaps over a convivial meal at table - combined - this could be our future, should we determine to act swiftly to a transition from the current agricultural model of industrialized farming.
FOA Video Link - View the presentation
Pumpkin Seed and Fennel Crackers
Recipe by Fernando & Marlene Divina, divinAmerica
We love the toasty aroma and flavor combination of these pumpkin seed crackers. The added protein from the pumpkin seeds is a healthy and tasty way to fulfill your daily amino acid requirement.
Download the recipe here below:
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