Jim Embry of Lexington to Represent Local and National Good Food Movements at 2012 Slow Food Conference

BROOKLYN, NY, August 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) From October 25-29, Jim Embry of Lexington will represent the local and national good food movements at the 2012 International Slow Food conference in Torino, Italy. Every two years, Slow Food supporters from around the world come together for Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto to share innovative solutions and time-honored traditions for feeding the planet in a good, clean, and fair way. Terra Madre is one of the world's most important events dedicated to diverse food cultures, sustainability and biodiversity. Embry will also serve as a U.S. delegate at the International Slow Food Congress, which will be held simultaneously. The Slow Food Congress is a crucial meeting of Slow Food leaders from more than 150 countries that happens every five years, where management bodies are elected and decisions are made regarding Slow Food's worldwide strategies for developing the association. Embry, who is a member of the nearby Slow Food Bluegrass chapter, is a region seven representative (KY, TN, AL, LA & MS) and he will be accompanied by three other local good food advocates: Mark Williams (southeast regional governor of Slow Food USA), Maggie Galloway (co-leader of Slow Food Bluegrass) and Libby Allen (member of Slow Food Bluegrass).

"What a blessing and honor it is for me to be selected to represent Kentucky and the USA at this important international convocation of world food communities who proclaim that another world with a sustainable food system that works for all is possible and necessary. As a delegate to the Congress, I am very excited about the opportunity to help shape and decide the future direction of Slow Food's global work that will continue to provide concrete and appropriately scaled solutions for some of our most vexing problems. Slow Food's Congress, Terra Madre and Salone represent the corner stones of a 21st century food Renaissance and I am thrilled to help paint the picture," said Jim Embry, 2012 Slow Food USA delegate.

This year's delegation—a group of more than 220 individuals appointed by 20 regional selection committees to represent the food and farming issues of their communities—will provide the largest and most diverse selection of U.S. food producers, chefs and activists in attendance in Slow Food history: members from 50 farming communities, spanning all sectors of the food movement from labor to production to students, will participate in the extraordinary event. Please visit the following hyperlinks for information on other Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto, and International Congress delegates.

In addition to his work with Slow Food, Embry is the founder and director of the Sustainable Communities Network, a non-profit organization in Lexington that provides ideas, programs and tools to inspire community members to bring about systemic change in all of the institutions that are necessary to create sustainable cities. Locally, the organization sponsors an annual local food summit, establishes community and school gardens around the state and is a leader of the city's food justice work.

To create local awareness and support for his trip, Embry will be speaking and hosting informational dinners, photo exhibits and fundraisers at the Kentucky Proud Market on September 15, Natasha's Restaurant on October 6, Good Foods Market & Cafe on October 8, and at the University of Kentucky on October 10. Other institutions, restaurants and community organizations that want to learn more about the Slow Food movement are encouraged to invite Embry to speak before or after his trip to Italy.

For more information about Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto, or to schedule an interview with Embry, please contact Emily Walsh at Slow Food USA's national office.

About Slow Food USA
Imagine a world where the food we eat is good for us, good for farmers and workers, and good for the planet. Slow Food USA is building that world by bringing people together through the common language of food. Through local projects, educational events and campaigns in 150 countries, Slow Food supporters are promoting environmentally friendly food production, teaching children how to grow and prepare their food, and working to make real food accessible to all. Join the global grassroots movement today to fight for the future of our food. Visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org.