by Timothy Rutt

Who knew there was a “National Food Day?” (That’s pretty much every day at our house).   This year, it falls on Thursday, Oct. 24.  The City of Pasadena sent us this:

National Food Day was created to bring people together to raise awareness of food issues and foster healthy change in our eating habits and food systems. It is a day to celebrate healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food. 

Since August, City of Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has collaborated with Muir Ranch to host a weekly farm stand (called the “Farmers’ Corner”) on the front patio of the Pasadea Public Health Department. Every Thursday, from 10 am-12:30 pm, community members, PPHD clients and staff can purchase fresh and low-price California produce grown by Muir Ranch and other regional farms. All proceeds go to Muir Ranch, a program located on a three-acre farm at John Muir High School in Northwest Pasadena.  The program teaches students practical farming and entrepreneurial skills, and makes the connection between soil, food, community, environment, and personal health.

On Thursday, October 24, PPHD will be hosting a large community-wide Food Day celebration, highlighting the Farmers’ Corner. Festivities will include healthy food demonstrations by “Network for a Healthy California” chefs, free nutrition resources, prizes and games. Healthy holiday beverages will be provided.

The event will run from 10 AM-2 PM at the front Patio of Pasadena Public Health Department, 1845 N. Fair Oaks Avenue,  Pasadena,

For more information, please contact Erika Redke at eredke@cityofpasadena.net or visit www.foodday.org.