Since 1818, the “Farmers' Almanac” has provided uncannily accurate weather predictions that inform farmers’ planting, harvesting, and day-to-day living. In 2019, Slow Food New York City - inspired by the “Farmers’ Almanac” - is sponsoring the 9th Annual Food Almanac, a singular opportunity for food-active individuals to be informed and to consider food and farming policy challenges, opportunities, and action in the New Year. This year, we've chosen to put a spin on tradition and focus specifically on immigration labor in the food chain.
By opening up a space to discuss immigration issues and food policy, we hope to improve understanding of the scope of immigrant labor in our food system, as well as the impact that poor food/ag policy, labor policy, and other discriminatory policies have had on immigrants and resultantly, our food system.
In keeping with our mission of Good, Clean, and Fair for all, we want to have a conversation about those that keep our food chain running: farmworkers, food processing and manufacturing laborers, and restaurant workers, and the policies and practices that often exploit them. Our Almanac Panel will help us get there; standing and acting for the food chain in which we believe and for which we have fought.
During the event you'll hear from our expert panelists, while enjoying local kombucha and cider and tasty seasonal snacks!
Panelists Include:
Rodrigo Camarena, Director, Immigration Advocates Network, is dedicated to expanding access to immigration legal resources and information through collaboration and technology. IAN was created in 2007 by leading immigrants' rights organizations, to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthen the capacity of organizations serving them.
Gabriela Pereyra, GrowNYC Beginning Farmer Program Manager, FARMroots' Beginning Farmer Program identifies, educates, and supports aspiring farmers with agricultural experience to establish their own economically and environmentally sustainable farm businesses in the NYC region.
Yajaira Saavedra, Activist and Owner, La Morada, A family-owned and operated Mexican Oaxacan Restaurant comprised of undocumented workers in the South Bronx that operates with the goal of preserving and sharing indigenous Mexican cusine. La Moada also actively participates in community initiatives and social justice causes.
Gabriel Morales, Program Director, Brandworkers, a non-profit organization bringing local food production workers together for good jobs and a sustainable food system.
Moderator | Peter Hoffman, Iconic chef of the trailblazing New York restaurant, Savoy, that for decades led the way to the paradigm of approachable food prepared with meticulously curated ingredients and social, cultural, and environmental responsibility. Peter is a member of the Slow Food New York City Advisory Committee.
We hope you'll join us for this fun, informative, and unique evening!