Food Literacy Programs

The goal of our food literacy events is to connect good eats with good reads and to create a better dialogue and understanding about what we eat and where our food comes from.

Note From Philip Lee, Co-founder

“I’ve been involved in children’s book publishing for 20 years and “literacy” is a frequently used term to describe the basic knowledge of reading and writing. Literacy is the foundation of communication.

Yet this foundation is often missing in the discussion of our foodways. We believe that by gaining basic knowledge about where our food comes from, we can have a better appreciation of what we eat, make better food choices, and make a positive impact on our body, our mind, our community, and the world. After all, interest in food has no boundaries. Together, we can create and celebrate a rich, healthy, diverse, and inclusive food culture.”

Here are some recent projects:

During the month of October and November, R2E partnered with the King County Library System in Washington and brought together local farmers, chefs, nutritionists and educators to discuss the meaning of whole foods, local food programs, and everyone’s favorite food reads.

Participants included: libraries in Auburn, Richmond Beach, Carnation, Bothell; Bastyr University; Auburn International Farmers Market; Seattle Tilth; Master Gardeners; Oxbow Farm; South 47 Farm; Happy Mountain Miniature Cattle Farm; Seattle Urban Farm Inc.; Auburn School Nutrition Services; Forest Ridge Sacred Heart School Food Services; Bagley Elementary School.

R2E is partnering with the Auburn Public Library and the Auburn International Farmers Market to launch the first citywide “Auburn Reads.” It’s a unique One City Reads event since we have selected a book that will engage both adults and children, and will actively collaborate with school and after-school programs. The official announcement of the event and book selection (it’s about food, of course!) will be in May, before the end of school and the start of the farmers market in June.

Throughout the summer, there will be discussion groups, nutrition education workshops, food film showings, cooking demonstrations, and other related events to increase understanding of what we eat while highlighting Auburn’s rich farm history. The event will conclude at the close of the farmers market on September 26.

R2E is available for school visits to present our “Good Eats & Good Reads” program that connects food and books. This can be a one-day school visit or a multiple-day program including farm and market visits. For details, please email Philip Lee or call us at 206.849.1962.

We are currently developing partnerships with more cities, community organizations, schools, farmers markets, and restaurants to create custom programs that promote food literacy. If you are interested, please email Philip Lee or call us at 206.849.1962.