The Sequatchie Valley Institute (SVI), a non-profit environmental education and research center, will offer its annual “Food for Life” conference and workshops May 31-June 2.
Food for Life is a gathering for skills-building about permaculture, food preservation, cooking methods, diet choices and nutrition, native forest foods and medicines, and fermented foods. Participants will also explore the political, social, and ecological implications of food and agriculture.
Workshops will include Concepts and Controversies of the Optimal Diet with Joel Kimmons; Fermentation-learn to make sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, sourdough bread and more with Sandor Katz, award-winning local author; Forest Walk to find wild edibles and medicinals; and Food Preservation.
Kid programs will include: Cheese Making, Making Bentos, Play With Yer Food! Food Mandalas and an Art Opening by the kids.
Other activities include: Theatre, games, pizza baked in the wood-fired clay oven, Dutch Oven cooking, and more. Participants will help make food in workshops that will later be used for meals; each meal is therefore an integral part of the curriculum.
The mission of the Sequatchie Valley Institute is to offer society an opportunity to experience and learn about living in harmony with nature by providing education, art, and research opportunities; a progressive, dynamic model residence and learning center; land conservation and restoration, and a vision for attaining a sustainable future.
Sequatchie Valley Institute is at 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tn. 37397, between Dunlap and Whitwell just off Route 28, and 45 minutes from Chattanooga.
There is a sliding scale of $25-$50/adult/day and $5-$20/child/day (based on income) including meals. Call for individual workshop/meal prices. Rustic camping $10/3 nights.
For more information, call 423 949-5922, email education@svionline.org, or see www.svionline.org for information and reservations.
No pets, please.