This coming week, in events that get to your heart through your stomach.
Highlights
Wednesday, April 20
The tenth anniversary edition of the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas was just released last week, and once again offers consumers a wide-ranging guide to finding local foods throughout the region. Organizations listed in the atlas make a sustainability pledge that covers their ownership model, environmental and labor policies, and dedication to the local economy. This year, it features 103 farms, 67 farmers' markets, 36 restaurants, and 34 other businesses and non-profits. Printed copies of the atlas are distributed at farmers' markets, libraries, and various other locations, and a digital version is available online.
Thursday, April 21
Was Alaska cute and quirky before Northern Exposure started airing on CBS? Fans of the early '90s television show may find some parallels in the film Eating Alaska, about a vegetarian who moves to Alaska and marries a commercial fisherman and deer hunter. Except Eating Alaska is a documentary, about eating sustainably, healthily and ethically. Filmmaker Ellen Frankenstein, a "former urban vegetarian now living on an island in Alaska," will be on hand at the screening. Much better than Madison's last visitor from Alaska. Science Hall, Rm. 180, 6:30 p.m., free. Email here for more info.
Sunday, April 24
The Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $15 adults and $7 kids 3-18. Call 241-1574 for more info.
More events this week
Wednesday, April 20
Dane County Farmers' Market, in operation just off the Capitol Square, commencing its weekday edition for the 2011 growing season. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 455-1999 for more info.
Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference, a fifth annual symposium titled "Pursuing a More Sustainable Wisconsin: Innovations in Building, Energy and Food Systems" and featuring speakers, breakout sessions, exhibits, and entertainment. Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, 330 N. Orchard St., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., $25. Call 263-3063 for more info.
Earth Week Celebration, a gathering featuring a local food potluck, live music, and a screening of The Lorax. Just Coffee, 1129 E. Wilson St., 6 p.m., please bring a dish to pass. Call 262-9036 for more info.
Thursday, April 21
Green Thursdays, a film and lecture series organized by Big River, An End to Slim Pickings, followed by discussion. Mount Horeb United Methodist Churc, 9542 Hwy. S , Mount Horeb, 6:30 p.m., free. Call 608-437-7811 for more info.
Puttin' on the Fritz, a spring kick-off talk about the Fritz Food Pantry and its work to provide meals to the indigent and elderly in the face of ongoing budget cuts. Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., 7-8:30 p.m., free. Call 241-1574 for more info.
Saturday, April 23
Hilldale Farmers' Market, ending its indoor winter season in the former Pucci Gallery location. Hilldale Shopping Center, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 717-729-4381 for more info.
Mad City Chickens screening, featuring the Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., 2 p.m., free. Call 224-7100 for more info.
Sunday, April 24
REAP snack prep, with volunteers needed to prepare and package fresh, healthy, and locally-grown treats for kids at 14 elementary schools around Madison. South Madison Farmers' Market, commencing its Sunday edition for the 2011 growing season. Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 446-1411 for more info.
