Real Food at the Urban Ecology Center
At the Urban Ecology Center we inspire people to tread lightly on the earth while being mindful of their impact on the water, climate, energy, land use, biodiversity and community. Making intentional, mindful food choices is one way to have a huge impact on each of these things.
We would like to invite you to become involved in the Urban Ecology Center’s Real Food programs where you can learn and explore real, sustainable food along with people in your community, and with us.
Through the Center’s programs we:
Connect our community to local farmers -- strengthening our local, sustainable food system. We began to focus on local food eight years ago when we first organized the Local Food and Farmer Open House – inviting community members to meet four farmers from southeast Wisconsin who grow food sustainably. This annual spring event has grown, and this March over 1,000 community members came to the Center to meet dozens of farmers. It is exciting to watch the local food movement grow!
Throughout the year you can browse our website to learn more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms and where to find other local food producers.
Educate our community about healthy, mindful eating—how to make food choices that promote our own health and the health of our environment. We build a welcoming community, educating ourselves and others. We have activities for everyone, including 1) monthly gatherings where Friends of Real Food enjoy tasty pot-luck dinners and lively discussions, 2) cooking classes, 3) the Eat Local Challenge, 4) films, 5) lectures, 6) and more! These are all enjoyable ways to spend time with people in your community.
Provide resources to help our community be more successful in growing our own food, as well as, preparing and preserving it. Get your hands dirty in our community gardens, in gardening and composting workshops or through the Victory Garden Initiative. Or join us in our kitchen where you can learn the art and science of cooking and food preservation.
Protect the environment by educating people about how their food choices impact the natural world. Each of YOUR food choices matter…big or small! We want to help you understand how you can have a positive impact on the planet while eating fantastic food. Together we can make a big difference!
