Eco Columbia

Below is a video contributed by Orion Pahl, one of the winners of last month’s food-themed contest. He’ll receive a $50 gift card to Whole Foods for his great video on a local garden.

We’re kicking off the new semester right by introducing a whole new way for you to get involved with Eco Columbia! (more…)

Don't miss next week's screening on campus!

Forks Over Knives is a brand new documentary about the affect food has on our health. Exploring the claim that a diet of animal-based and processed foods are responsible for the sky-rocketing rates of obesity, heart disease, and strokes in this country, the movie features interviews with leading researchers.

Though the film won’t be released in theaters until mid March, a special benefit screening will be hosted on campus next Thursday.  A reception featuring vegan refreshments will begin at 5:30PM, with the screening itself starting at 7PM. After the film, guests are invited to stick around for a panel discussion (8:30-9:15PM).

Tickets can be reserved online for a $10 donation, with all proceeds going to Mercy for Animals and Mindful Citizen. Seats are going fast so make sure to RSVP soon!

More information about the film can be found on the official website.

Farm Fresh Foodstuffs delivers fresh cheese year around.

Farmer’s market season is over, but that doesn’t mean you should go without fresh, unprocessed food. Chris Spoerl, a Columbia documentary film student, works at Farm Fresh Foodstuffs–a local company that provides Chicagoland with fresh, hormone-free meats, eggs, cheese and pasta.

Chris’ cousin started Farm Fresh Foodstuffs after he was laid off of his corporate job. With a baby on the way, Steve Spoerl turned to something he knew from his grandparents: farmed goods. The “menu” offered by Farm Fresh Foodstuffs isn’t exactly vegan friendly, but for the carnivores out there, it’s heaven.

Chris was attracted to helping out with the business when he was told “that [they’d] be selling meats, eggs, and cheeses that were made the old fashioned way – without chemicals and with the animals being treated with dignity.” A mission statement I’m sure we can all get behind. (more…)

Look for the sticker next snack time.

Your professor gives you ten minutes. Within these ten minutes, you must run to the bathroom, call your mom and let her know that you require a care package stat, gab with your friends for three minutes about how hard the final is going to be, and grab a snack.

In the fleeting moment you have to decide what to get… A5, C2, G9, it can be hard to keep healthy eating in mind.

Columbia has partnered with Mark Vend to make this a little easier. Whenever you see a Fit Pick (fitpick.org) sticker by the corresponding food in a vending machine, you know that it’s a better choice. (more…)