Barack Obama Academy of International Studies
May 16
3 – 6 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Think globally, eat and cook locally: Food Revolution Pittsburgh is back and bigger than ever, with its second annual edition setting up shop on May 16th, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Obama Academy in East Liberty.
Celebrating the region’s food culture, and especially the people and places working together to nurture it, Food Revolution Day 2014 provides opportunities for Pittsburghers to enjoy good healthy food as a community and as as city, while also engaging in empowering conversations and creative activities that support wellness, nutrition, education and civic engagement.
Let 20 of Pittsburgh’s top chefs cook for you—and thousands of fellow Pittsburghers—on the school’s athletic field, as you learn to love what you eat and how to make it yourself. Participating Pittsburgh chefs, restaurants and culinary programs include Kevin Sousa (Superior Motors), Chad Townsend (Salt of the Earth), Keith Fuller (Root 174), the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Franktuary, NOLA, Big Burrito, Pittsburgh Community Kitchens and Juice Up 412.
Food Revolution Day will also feature integrative activities, food booths, demos and themed exhibits hosted by 85-plus local nonprofits, businesses, food advocacy organizations and universities. Focused on building and sustaining healthy communities, the exhibits will explore food sourcing, entrepreneurship and innovation, energy, public health, STEAM learning, and access to higher education. Also included will be live music, a petting zoo and talks by local stakeholders related to food advocacy.
The one-day event is part of an ongoing initiative held in conjunction with the school’s Cooking Club, a unique program at Obama that supports access to food, community involvement and youth empowerment with weekly after-school cooking instruction. Launched by Bar Marco owner Bobby Fry in October of 2012, after a pivotal meeting with celebrated chef and food activist Jamie Oliver, The Food Revolution Pittsburgh Cooking Club was inspired by Oliver’s international Food Revolution, a global day of action that inspires people to come together in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities to cook, share kitchen skills, food knowledge and resources, and raise awareness about the importance of good food and food education.
To date, the event—which is expected to draw more than 5,000 students, their families and community members—has raised an impressive $30,000 via its online Crowdtilt campaign.