Next First Friday

Growing Our Own: The Politics and Pleasures of Food

In spring the world bursts forth with new growth, and people everywhere head for their gardens, even their parking strips, putting in veggies of every description, and flowers to brighten the perimeter.

But in reality, most North Americans don't grow a substantial portion of our own food. Our lifestyles demand that we rely largely on the skills and fortunes of unseen farmers and a radically unsustainable global food distribution network to bring us our daily bread.

In addition, in the agriculturally fertile state of Oregon, tens of thousands of people go to bed hungry at night. Food banks and soup kitchens are struggling to meet the needs of an increasingly food-insecure population.

So let's talk about food. The economics, politics, environmental aspects, and ethics of food-growing it, buying and selling it, preparing it, sharing it, and enjoying it.

Shari Sirkin is a local farmer who owns an organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm near Corbett. She will bring her experience and insights as a farmer into a discussion about the down-to-earth topic of food. Shari will also share information about the CSA movement and subscription farms in our region.

Shari can be reached at Dancin' Roots Farm, 29820 E. Woodard Rd., Troutdale, OR 97060 sasfarm@hevanet.com

First Fridays are open to everyone. Bring a vegetarian or vegan potluck dish, beverage, salad or dessert to share and join the discussion. The food is always wonderful, the conversation lively, and the larger topic discussions engaging and thought-provoking.

There is no charge for First Fridays, but small donations are appreciated to help with expenses.