Emory's commitment to sustainability will be in the spotlight for several October events, beginning with the 9th annual Sustainable Food Fair and Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 3, from 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m. on Cox Hall Bridge.
"This annual fair is an opportunity for the Emory community to celebrate farmers, artisans, chefs and non-profits who are working to create a more sustainable food system while also learning about the impact our food choices have on our community and environment," says Emily Cumbie-Drake, sustainability program coordinator in the Office of Sustainability Initiatives.
The fair's lively atmosphere includes booths by Love is Love Farm at Gaia Gardens, Working Cows Dairy and White Oak Pastures, live music and free food samples from some of Atlanta's best farm-to-table restaurants, including 4th and Swift, Empire State South, and Farm Burger.
At the fair, the recipients of the 2014 Robert S. Hascall Sustainability Innovator Awards will be named and honored at 12 p.m. next to the Cox Hall Clock Tower. These awards recognize outstanding faculty, staff and students who have contributed time, energy and effort to furthering Emory's vision of a sustainable campus.
For those with their own ideas on how to make progress on Emory's sustainability goals, applications are now open for the 2014-2015 Sustainability Incentives Fund. This grant awards chosen applicants — students, staff and faculty, including those from Emory Healthcare — up to $3,000 to implement their vision. All projects must take place on Emory's campus and be completed by August 2015. More information and criteria can be found here. The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 6.
Winners of the Sustainability Incentives Funds will be announced at Fabulous Friday in Asbury Circle on Friday, Oct. 24, in honor of Campus Sustainability Day. This day, celebrated throughout the country, raises awareness about the sustainability efforts undertaken by national college campuses like Emory. This year's theme is "Empowering Change on Campus and in the Community." The Office of Sustainability Initiatives, Bike Emory and other environmentally focused groups will host a variety of events for Emory's community in honor of this day. All are welcome to join.
To keep the conversation going, Volunteer Emory will host "Dine and Dialogue" on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Few Hall Multipurpose Room from 1 to 3 p.m. At this Social Justice Dialogue, leaders of Atlanta's sustainable food movement will share a locally sourced meal to discuss the intersection of social justice and sustainable food. For more information, contact Laila Atalla.