November 29, 2022 – Santa Fe College is partnering with Florida Organic Growers and Consumers in a three-year grant designed to increase access to and promote consumption of Florida heritage foods in local farmer’s markets. The project, entitled “Florida Heritage Foods Initiative: Connecting Local Food with Local Culture in Florida Farmers Markets,” aims to highlight the historical and cultural significance of 42 crops in Florida and to educate consumers and small farmers on how to cook and grow them.
The college will also host three annual educational symposiums. This year’s symposium is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be held at SF’s Blount Hall. The theme is: “Opportunities and Benefits of Heritage Foods” as part of the Florida Heritage Foods project. The symposium is free and includes a variety of presentations and workshops. Vivian Filer, founding member and board member of Gainesville’s Cotton Club and Cultural Center, will deliver the keynote address.
Please visit FloridaHeritageFoods.com which has a registration link to the event. The website is also home to public education on the history, culture, nutritional value, recipes and gardening tips for each of the 42 heritage foods included in the project. As well as the ‘Multicultural Event Planning Tool Kit’ that includes a growing and harvest chart, a cultural asset map, and other resources designed to assist farmers and market managers in planning food and culture events in the future.