MISSOULA –

The University of Montana Farm to College program will host the third annual Fall Feastival: Celebrating Montana’s Food Cycle from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, on the Oval. The annual harvest feast provides students, faculty and staff a holistic view of Montana’s agricultural food cycle.

The event is the culmination of a year of planning and cooperation with more than 25 food-producing partners. Nearly all of the items on the menu will be provided by local farmers, ranchers and food producers, who began preparations to grow and raise the food for the feast in April.

“The goal of this meal is to celebrate the success of the UM Farm to College program and to raise public and student awareness about the time and effort required to produce the food we eat each day,” said Mark LoParco, director of University Dining Services.

All pre- and post-consumer waste generated by the Fall Feastival including food, plates and napkins will be pulped and processed into soil-enhancing planting material within 48 hours. The soil-ready material will provide a starting point for the next growing season and sustainably complete the food cycle.

In keeping with the “buy local” theme of the event, entertainment will be provided by Missoula-area country band Cash For Junkers.

The UM Farm to College Program has been a national pioneer in advocating the sustainable benefits of buying and eating local foods. The program will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the spring.

For more information and dinner pricing, visit http://life.umt.edu/dining/.

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