Things to Do for Food Day That Don't Suck

By Melissa McCart Mon., Oct. 24 2011 at 11:48 AM

Categories: Restaurant News

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Though I thought it was Food Day every day, today is different in that it's been christened as a time to recognize the declining quality of the American diet by addressing issues involving food and hunger, sustainability, farm worker conditions, and healthy eating. National Food Day was earmarked 36 years ago, though cities around the country are just beginning to rally around the cause.

After the jump, we've culled some easy and interesting ways to recognize the day, eat better, and potentially help others should you feel inspired.

10. Check out this surprisingly gritty TED video of farm workers describing their workday realities.

9. Join Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution to prevent obesity in children.

8. Cook something from this crowd sourced NYC Tumblr that launched today in honor of Food Day.

7. Eat out at the Food Day Block Party in Boca starting at 6 p.m. here.

6. Join Esquire's "Eat Like a Man" group and eat better for tonight's meal, at least.

5. Watch The Chew on ABC at 1 p.m. as New York Mayor Bloomberg talks Food Day with Mario Batali.

4. Pick up a copy of Barry Estabrook's Tomatoland to learn more about what the fuss is over Florida tomato farming.

3. Submit a photo of your Food Day event to Epicurious' Facebook page for a chance to win kitchen goodies and a matching donation to the food-related charity of your choice.

2. Join musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and Carlos Santana by volunteering, donating money, or buying tickets for shows to support Why Hunger: Artists Against Hunger and Poverty.

1. The irony is not lost on us that Snickers -- not exactly health food -- offers the opportunity to provide two free meals for every candy bar you buy. Enter the bar code on the Snickers website to help the company fulfill its goal of providing more than 3 million meals to needy families via Feeding America.

Follow Clean Plate Charlie on Facebook and on Twitter: @CleanPlateBPB

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