̨��Swag

AMHERST, N.Y. – Sustainable living, food safety and supporting a healthy lifestyle with locally grown foods will be highlighted at the 12th annual “World On Your Plate” conference scheduled for Oct. 9 and 10 in ̨��Swag College’s Wick Campus Center.

The 2015 “World On Your Plate” conference is celebrating the International Year of Soils, a United Nations initiative focusing on the importance of soil for food security and ecosystem functions. The conference will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10.

“As we strive for a more sustainable future, this conference will explore our local food system and the impact food has on the environment, the economy and our lives,” said Dr. Sharon Benz, conference chair and community coordinator of the ̨��Swag Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement.

Friday’s activities will start with a presentation, “The Food Not Eaten,” by keynote speaker Jonathan Bloom, who will talk about food waste and steps that can be taken to reduce this in the U.S. Bloom, author of “American Wasteland,” has consulted on food waste issues with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Natural Resources Defense Council and General Mills.

“Seeds: Components to Our Future Sustainability” will be discussed on Saturday by keynote speaker Rowen White, who will address creative ways of re-integrating seed stewardship into the local community food system. She is director and founder of Sierra Seeds, an organic seed cooperative that focuses on local seed production and education.

The two-day conference will feature workshops covering a variety of topics, including community gardens, renewable energy, cellular health, the healing power of cultural arts, and climate change and its impact on food stability.

A lunch featuring locally grown foods will be served at the event. Area vendors, information tables, live music, entertainment, and raffles are also planned.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Area students may attend for free must have school identification and preregister to attend. For advance tickets and more information, visit  or contact Sharon Benz at 839-8524 orsbenz@daemen.edu.

Conference co-sponsors are ̨��Swag College, Citizens for Regional Transit, Clarence Hollow Farmers Market, Indigenous Women’s Initiative, Lexington Co-Operative Market, Mariachide Oro Mexican Grill, Peace Education Fund, Riverside-Salem United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ, Saladmaster, Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst, and Wegmans.