The 19th Annual Food for Life Conference is scheduled for April 28-30 at the Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop in Whitwell.
Families are invited for three days of camping in a natural setting surrounded by forest, bluffs, nature trails, and hand-crafted solar-powered homes and meeting places. Participants will share a sustainable outdoor lifestyle and help prepare then eat the meals. They will also take part in workshops on food preservation, cooking methods, diet choices and nutrition, native forest foods and medicines, wood stove and cast iron cooking, butchering, and fermented foods including kefir, kombucha, mead, sauerkraut, sour dough, cheese, and more, taught by instructors from a wide background of expertise and experience. Participants will also be able to learn about the political, social, and ecological implications of food and agriculture.
The kids will plant a Three Sisters Garden, hike on forest trails, play outdoor games, and learn about good food, plants, critters, and the forest. On Saturday they will prepare sourdough pizzas to bake in a wood-fired clay oven and party under the stars with a fire and music.
The income-based sliding scale for the three-day event is $100-$200. The fee for Saturday only is $40-$100. Children under 9 years are free, 10-16 years are $10-$40 per day. This includes nutritious meals, all workshops, children's programs, and rustic camping. Work trade is available.
For more information contact 949-5922 or education@svionline.org or visit www.svionline.org for information and reservations.