Starving Chefs plan event to promote nutrition, eating local

Since 2005, they have done local catering and cooking demonstrations, but they now are backing an evening of community awareness focused on food and nutrition at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Coshocton High School.

"It's important to know where your food comes from and how it's raised," Taylor said. "Educating people has become very crucial in what we want to do."

The central point of the evening will be a screening of the about 70-minute food documentary "Fresh" from Swiss filmmaker ana Sofia joanes. Highlighted, among others, is Will Allen, a former basketball player who is leading an urban farming movement, and David Ball, a small supermarket owner fighting the major chains by teaming with local farmers.

The movie looks at how food is raised and practical ways people can eat better and support local growers.

"It's a fun documentary to watch. It's very entertaining. It's not dry," Gillett said. "It's not depressing. It's very hopeful and fun."

Taylor warned there are a few disturbing scenes of animal slaughtering and cautions younger children from attending.

Since area residents can't meet one on one with subjects in the movie, Gillett and Taylor have invited local farmers, gardeners, greenhouse workers, doctors and nutritionists to set up tables and speak with attendees before and after the film.

They are looking for others to take part but already have signed Strawberry Hill Farm, honey producer Dick Mullet, Cantwell Creek Gardens, Coshocton's Farmers Market, Nature's Gourmet, Arndt Chiropractic Office and the Garden Patch among others to appear.

There also will be food sampling, including the grilling of grass-fed beef.

Scout Troop 400 of St. John's Church also will sell popcorn to benefit the troop.

"We're giving people information, but we're also providing them with resources to get local food, to get educated to eat better and meet the people in this community raising healthy food," Gillett said.

Dr. Chad Guess of Five Point Chiropractic & Nutrition will give a special presentation on nutrition.

"A big part of his practice is getting back to basics and getting the body to work the way it was meant to with the food we put in it and supply it," Taylor said. "Again, it's about educating the community on the choices they have and how choices affect their health and what they can do."