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What’s Falmouth Reading? celebrates food in 2013
The What’s Falmouth Reading? committee celebrates all things food with the selection of Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life and Steve Almond’s Candyfreak as the town-wide reads for 2013.
Animal Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life is the account of a family’s locavore year on their farm in Southern Appalachia. Kingsolver and her coauthors unearth the secret lives of vegetables and the unexpected satisfactions of knowing their food producers — and sometimes their dinner — on a first-name basis.
The family’s year-long experience leads them through a season of planting, pulling weeds, expanding their kitchen skills, harvesting their own animals, joining the effort to save heritage crops from extinction, and learning the time-honored rural art of unloading excess zucchini. Kingsolver’s narrative is enriched by husband Steven Hopp’s in-depth reports on the science and industry of food, and daughter Camille’s youthful perspective on cooking and food culture. “Animal Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life has helped change American attitudes toward food,” said committee chair Marsha Zafiriou. “Kingsolver makes a strong case for putting the kitchen at the center of family life, and local farms at the center of the American diet.”
For additional insight and information visit: www.AnimalVegetableMiracle.com for recipes, web resources, and more.
Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America takes readers on a quest to discover candy's origins in America, to explore little companies that continue to get by on pluck and perseverance, and to witness the glorious excess of candy manufacturing. Perhaps you remember The Marathon, Oompahs, Bit-O-Choc, or Kit Kat Dark. Where did they go? Driven by his obsession, stubborn idealism, and the promise of free candy, self-confessed candy freak Steve Almond explores the role candy plays in our lives as both source of pleasure and escape from pain. By turns ecstatic, comic, and bittersweet, Candyfreak is the story of how he grew up on candy---and how, for better and worse, candy has grown up too.
Award-winning author Steve Almond is the author of 10 books of fiction and non-fiction, including Not That You Asked, My Life in Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll with Save Your Life. A prolific essayist, his work appears regularly in the Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, the Huffington Post and others. Learn more about his work at www.stevealmondjoy.com.
The committee currently is planning a wide range of programs to promote reading of the books, from author talks to collaborations with local farms and restaurants to help readers better understand the local food chain.
Facebookers can “like” What’s Falmouth Reading? to get updates on programs by visiting www.facebook.com/whatsfalmouthreading can also be found by following us on Twitter at the What's Falmouth Reading? Twitter Feed.
Copies of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life and Candyfreak will be available for check-out at the Falmouth Public Library, the North Falmouth branch, the East Falmouth branch, West Falmouth Library and Woods Hole Library.
The children's companion book for What's Falmouth Reading? 2013 is: Growing Vegetable Soup - written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
For more information, contact the reference desk of the Falmouth Public Library, 508-457-2555 ext. 6, or e-mail Marsha Zafiriou at .
Massachusetts Agriculture Commissioner & Falmouth resident
Saturday, January 26 at 2 pm
Falmouth Public Library
CYNTHIA COWAN
Saturday, February 2 at 2 pm
Falmouth Public Library
Call ahead! Signup required
508-457-2555, x6 or Email:
STEVE ALMOND
Chickens, Pumpkins & TOMATOES
Sunday March 3 at 3 pm
West Falmouth Library
575 W. Falmouth Hwy (Rte 28A)
West Falmouth, MA
Garden Planning Part 1: Getting your Vegetable Plot Ready
Wednesday, March 6 at 7 pm
Falmouth Public Library
Watch the video of the presentation here
Garden Planning Part 2: What & How to Sow & Grow
Wednesday, March 13 at 7 pm
Falmouth Public Library
Raising Backyard Chickens
Saturday, March 23, 9:30-10:30 am
Falmouth Public Library
Watch the video of the presentation here
Falmouth’s Agricultural Heritage
Wednesday, March 27 at 7 pm
Falmouth Public Library
ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE
Celebrating the bounty of the Falmouth Farmers’ Market and Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” the What’s Falmouth Reading? Committee presents “Eating with the Seasons,” a three-part series of hands-on demonstrations and food tastings, starting on April 13 at Highfield Hall in Falmouth.
Each session runs 9:30-11 a.m. and is FREE of charge, but advance sign-up is required as participation is limited.
“Sourcing local foods is so important to our economy and our health,” said Susan Ryan Ackell, a chef and a member of the Falmouth Farmers’ Market board. “By demonstrating how easy it can be to prepare the wonderful foods we can find locally, we hope to make people more aware of what goes into good food, as well as what doesn’t go in.”
Are you inspired by one of this year’s What’s Falmouth Reading? books on food, like The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan, and thinking about becoming a locavore? Locavores eat food that is grown locally or within a radius of where they live because they believe that regional food sources boost the economy and protect the environment. You might be surprised at our local food sources here in Falmouth and on the Cape. Below is a list of resources to get you started on becoming a locavore and finding local food sources, from farms and farmer’s markets to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperatives.
These books define terms and provide a general background on the topic
Encyclopedia of Organic, Sustainable, and Local Food
L. A. Duram. (2010). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood
REF 338.1 ENC
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides readers with relevant information on where their food comes from and discusses social, economic, ecological, and political concerns regarding food. Contributors range from university researchers to various organizations and agencies related to food. A great resource for understanding terms and concepts!
Encyclopedia of Food and Culture
S. H. Katz, & W. W. Weaver. (2003). NYC: Scribner
REF 394.12 ENC v.1-3
This award-winning encyclopedia claims to cover everything from “agronomy to zucchini” and is the ultimate resource for all things related to food. All aspects of food and food culture are covered from nutritional values to psychological effects. Entries are compiled by historians, chefs, anthropologists, and researchers and include illustrations, sidebars, recipes, and timelines. Perfect for students, researchers, and the curious!
Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America
A. F. Smith. (2004) NY: Oxford University Press
REF 641.3 OXF
A smorgasbord of the history and culture of food and drink in the USA. Nearly 200 authors bring together in 770 entries scholarship on wide-ranging topics from airline and funeral food to fad diets and fast food; drinks like lemonade, Kool-Aid, and Tang; foodstuffs like Jell-O, Twinkies, and Spam; and Dagwood, hoagie, and Sloppy Joe sandwiches
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
Pauline Pears, ed. (2005) NY: DK Publishing
REF 635.0484 ROD
An in-depth, illustrated reference on organic gardening with detailed instruction in and tips on the techniques required to produce wholesome fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, and high-quality herbs without the use of chemicals. Includes topics such as cultivation, pest control, composting, and year-round gardening methods.
The following databases provide easy access to articles on the topic gathered together in easy, subject-specific collections—from why to be a locavore to how to be a locavore and much more. Try searching “locavore” or “local foods” after clicking on the links below or access the articles through the Library website at the Full Suite of Gale Databases.
You will need your CLAMS card!
Culinary Arts Collection
Gale (Firm). (2008)
Culinary arts collection. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, Cengage Learning.
This database provides articles, book reviews, buyer’s guides, and recipes from more than 150 cooking and nutrition magazines such as Natural Life, Natural Health, Nature Foods Merchandiser, and Pro Farmer. Look for the links on the right of the screen, too, for links to other subjects such as “sustainable living” and “farmers.” This is a great resource for industry information and practical instruction, as well.
Environmental Studies & Policy
Gale (Firm). (2006)
Environmental studies and policy collection. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Cengage Learning.
With more than 800 journals of full-text information, this database provides answers to all environmentally-related questions from such publications as Farm Industry News, Mother Earth News, Smithsonian, and Sierra. Do not forget to click on other suggested subjects like “agricultural industry” and “community supported agriculture.”
Gardening, Landscape & Horticulture
Gale (Firm). (2006)
Gardening, landscape & horticulture collection. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale Cenage Learning.
This collection of nearly fifty journals is described for farmers, biotechnologists, and gardeners of all levels, who seek information from practical applications to scientific theories. Do not forget to try searches on beekeeping, herbs, and edible flowers!
Regional & Local Websites For Locavores:
Buy Fresh Buy Local
http://www.buyfreshbuylocalcapecod.org/
A go-to resource that offers a harvest calendar to let locavores know what is in season (includes fish, too); a list of local farms, farm stands, and farmer’s markets; restaurants that support local farmers; local news & events; and links to other helpful resources.
Coonamessett Farm
http://www.coonamessettfarm.com/
A 20 acre farm and research enterprise that sells its produce and offers educational opportunities, as well as tours, entertainment, a café and gift shop, and ice cream. The farm has also added a shellfish division, too, that endeavors to collaborate with such agencies as Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Sea Grant, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory and the Laboratory for Marine Animal Health at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ecovian
http://www.ecovian.com/s/east-falmouth-ma/csa
Ecovian describes itself as “an online green city guide created by a community of passionate members dedicated to living a sustainable lifestyle.” Compiled by community members, this a good source for Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) within a 60 to 140 mile radius. In fact, there are 121 CSAs listed.
Edible Cape Cod
http://www.ediblecapecod.com
Celebrating the abundance of local foods, season by season. Online version of print magazine published by Dianne & Doug Langeland. Articles, recipes, interviews, e-newsletter.
Falmouth Farmer's Market
http://www.falmouthfarmersmarket.org/
The Falmouth Farmers' Market was established in 2008 at Peg Noonan Park on Main Street in Falmouth, MA. Each Thursday (from May to October) afternoon's market features Cape Cod and Southeastern Mass. grown and artisanally crafted vegetables, fruits, cheeses, lobsters, breads, pies, pastas, smoked fish, herbs, vegetable starts and ornamentals. They also hold one-day markets in November and December. See website for dates.
Local Food Report
http://capeandislands.org/topic/local-food-report
On the air at WCAI 90.1 FM. Featuring ardent locavore Elspeth Hay of Wellfleet. Hear the podcast or read Diary of a Locavore Blog about food on Cape & Islands, South Coast and farmers’ markets.
Tony Andrew’s Farm
http://www.tonyandrewsfarmstand.com/
This well-established farm offers fresh fruits and vegetables, and you can pick your own. Their website provides a list of what produce is available, as well as events being offered. Pumpkin picking in October and strawberry picking in June are local favorites!
For Farmers On Land Or Sea:
Barnstable County Beekeepers Association
http://www.barnstablebeekeepers.org
A 35-year-old group of more than 200 honeybee enthusiasts from Cape Cod and the surrounding area. The BCBA meets monthly to discuss topics relevant to beekeeping on Cape Cod. Topics include hive management, honeybee pests and diseases, swarm control, plants and pollination, and extracting honey.
Cape & Islands Farm Bureau
http://www.capecodfarms.com/
This 70 year old grassroots organization has over 700 members, whose goal it is to “make farming more profitable” and “assist those who are interested in better management and use of land and land development to best preserve the “Agricultural Way of Life.”
Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association, Inc.
http://www.ccchfa.org
A nationally recognized, non-profit organization that aligns protection of the oceans with the interests of our historic fishing community. We support stewardship of coastal ecosystems through education, research, and policy programs. Started in 1991 by the local fishing fleet, the Hook Association has become the leading community fisheries organization in the region. We are taking action now to make sure there are fish for future generations.
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
http://www.capecodextension.org/index.html
The Extension provides information on both agricultural and marine food systems. Their website also includes annual reports, programs & events (including 4-H), environmental safety issues (water quality reports), and a great “A to Z Index.”
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
http://www.nofamass.org/
A community of farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and consumers with the mission to educate members and the general public on local organic systems, the NOFA/Mass website not only maps out organic food sources and raw milk dairies, but it also offers workshops and conferences that include topics on soil, cheese, poultry, beef, and beekeeping, to name just a few. They are also a great resource for policy and legal issues in relation to organic farming.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)
http://semaponline.org/
A where, how, and why website; SEMAP offers information on where to by locally grown foods, how to grow your own food, and why support such efforts. SEMAP’s mission is “dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts through research and education.” Their online publication “Where to Start” is very useful.
More Resources:
Below are other information sources that may help those who are interested in learning about (or joining) local associations or even starting their own farm—on land or sea!
Books For Children:
Growing Vegetable Soup
Lois Ehlert
Ref Office JJ Big Ehlert
AND THE GOOD BROWN EARTH
Kathy Henderson
J PICTURE Henderson
AND THEN IT’S SPRING
Julie Fogliano
J PICTURE Fogliano
BLUE POTATOES, ORANGE TOMATOES: How to grow a rainbow garden
Rosalind Creasy
40 p.
J 635 Cre
THE CARROT SEED
Ruth Krauss
27 p.
J PICTURE Kra
CECIL’S GARDEN
Holly Keller
J PICTURE Keller
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FARMER
Heather Adamson
24 p.
J 630 Ada
FARM
Elisha Cooper
J PICTURE Cooper
FARM
Ned Haley
63 p.
J 630 Hal
FIRST GARDEN: the White House garden and how it grew
Robbin Gourley
36 p.
J 712 Gou
GROW IT, COOK IT.
Deborah Locke, ed.
80 p.
J 635 Gro
GROWING THINGS
Carolyn Scrace
31 p.
J 635 Scr
JUNE JAM
Ron Roy
66 p.
J MYSTERY Roy
JUNIE B. JONES HAS A PEEP IN HER POCKET
Barbara Park
67 p.
J EARLY CHAPTER Park
LITTLE CHICK
Amy Hest
J PICTURE Hest
McBROOM’S WONDERFUL ONE-ACRE FARM
S. Fleischman
63 p.
J EARLY CHAPTER Fleischman
ME AND THE PUMPKIN QUEEN
Marlane Kennedy
181 p., Gr 3-7
J FICTION Kennedy
MRS. SPITZER’S GARDEN
Edith Pattou
J PICTURE Pattou
MUNCHA! MUNCHA! MUNCHA!
Candace Fleming
J PICTURE Fleming
MY GARDEN
Kevin Henckes
J PICTURE Henkes
OLD MacDONALD HAD A FARM
Jane Cabrera
J PICTURE Cabrera
OLD MacDONALD HAD A FARM
Jonas Sickler
J BOARD Sickler
THE OMNIVORE’S DILEMMA: the Secrets behind what you eat
Michael Pollan; adapted by R. Chevat
YA 394.12 CHE
ORGANIC GARDENING FOR KIDS
Elizabeth Scholl
46 p.
J 635 Sch
SEEDFOLKS
Paul Fleischman
69 p.
J FICTION Fleischman
YA FICTION Fleischman
STREGA NONA’S HARVEST
Tomie de Paola
J PICTURE DePaola
THE UGLY VEGETABLES
Grace Lin
J PICTURE Lin
UP, DOWN, AND AROUND
Katherine Ayres
J PICTURE Ayres
WESLANDIA
Paul Fleischman
J PICTURE Fleischman
WIGGLE AND WAGGLE
Caroline Arnold
48 p.
J EASYREAD Arnold
Magazines:
Cook’s Illustrated (Bi-monthly)
Edible Cape Cod (Quarterly)
Fine Gardening (Bi-monthly)
Horticulture (7/yr)
Mother Earth News (Bi-monthly)
Organic Gardening (Bi-monthly)
