Join us for an exciting evening that will change the way you view what’s on your plate each day! Professor Wirzba is well known for his unique and charismatic presentation style. Wirzba carefully reminds consumers of their purchasing power by inviting his audience to embrace the importance of learning the stories behind their food. Guests are invited to stay for a reception featuring some of Richmond’s best local food and beverage vendors.
Enjoy samples from:
Good Foods Grocery
OMO Catering
Broadfork Farm
Hummingbird Gardens
Truly Scrumptious
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Belle Isle Moonshine
Ames Hot Honey
Clean Conscience Chocolate
Ninja Kombucha
Mother Shrub
PastryBase
The Cafe @ St. Stephen’s
Crickhollow Farm
Wild Earth
Humans are creatures dependent on food. It is the basis for our survival, and it plays a major role in determining our health and wellbeing. We often plan our days around food, we center our family gatherings around food, and food plays a massive role in the economy of our world. Yet most people have lost a very important connection to this thing that has such a large impact on our daily lives.
Professor Wirzba will discuss the importance of recognizing food as a gift to be treasured vs. food as a commodity. Wirzba writes: “To receive food as a gift, and to share it with each other, opens up a new way of imagining a community’s economic life together and forms a tangible connection to the natural world.”
The evening will begin with a presentation by Professor Wirzba followed by a Q&A session moderated by Real Local RVA’s Co-Chair Hunter Hopcroft. Audience questions are welcome. Following the speaking session guests are invited to stay for a book signing and reception featuring delicious tastes of local food. Copies of Wirzba’s book “Food and Faith” are available for sale at the Bookstore @ St. Stephen’s prior to the event and will also be on hand that evening. We are so grateful to our presenting sponsor Good Foods Grocery, and our supporting sponsors C&F Bank, WellcomeMD, and Natural Awakenings Magazine of Greater Richmond. Without them this wouldn’t be possible.
Norman Wirzba is a professor of theology, ecology, and agrarian studies at Duke Divinity School and the author of many books. He grew up on a farm in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and studied philosophy and religion at Yale University and Loyola University Chicago. While Wirzba’s inspirations stem from many sources, a friendship with Kentucky farmer, poet, and writer Wendell Berry has been one of lasting importance. Berry’s works continue to influence Wirzba’s studies today as he pursues research and teaching interests at the intersections of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies. He is an engaging and thoughtful speaker who lectures frequently in Canada and the United States.
