WPVGA Exhibits at Food for Thought Festival
The WPVGA was one of over 50 exhibitors at the 13th annual Food for Thought Festival in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 17. Organized by REAP (Research, Education, Action and Policy) Food Group, this festival celebrates the opportunity to eat more pleasurably, healthfully, and sustainably with a focus on the Buy Local movement and Wisconsin farmers. The event took place in the shadow of the Capitol on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and offered attendees food samples, cooking demonstrations, and a chance to meet local growers.
Activities included a special appearance by WPVGA spokeswoman Suzy Favor Hamilton who interacted with the crowd letting everyone know about the importance of buying locally grown Wisconsin potatoes and the nutritional benefits they offer.
Also helping out at the WPVGA booth were Rick Kantner from Alsum Farms & Produce, UW researcher Paul Bethke, Tim Feit from the WPVGA, and Sydney Marks who donned the Penelope Potato mascot costume. Event attendees were offered delicious WPVGA potato chips, recipe brochures, and information on Wisconsin potatoes.
Adding to the fun, Suzy Favor Hamilton also participated in the WPVGA’s potato sack races near the Kids’ Tent, reminding everyone to stay active and eat healthy. Both kids and adults enjoyed participating in the races. All participants were rewarded with bags of Wisconsin Healthy Grown Potatoes and Alsum’s Fast & Fresh microwaveable potatoes.
Tera Von Dollen and Suzy Favor Hamilton pictured with Penelope Potato at the Food for Thought Festival.
Rick Kantner of Alsum Farms and Produce, Penelope Potato (Sydney Marks), Suzy Favor Hamilton, and University of Wisconsin researcher, Paul Bethke, help get the buy local message out at the Food for Thought Festival in Madison.