Illinois Ag Connection - Save the Food: A Harvest Loss Avoidance Tour

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Save the Food: A Harvest Loss Avoidance Tour
Illinois Ag Connection - 07/29/2016

Postharvest Loss Avoidance through Technology and Education (PLATE) is a two-year research and development project led by University of Illinois Extension and funded by the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss at the University of Illinois. This project aims to minimize postharvest loss while revitalizing urban land. Specialists at Chanute Fields in Rantoul and Prosperity Gardens in Champaign are researching, implementing and teaching best practices for food harvesting. Mobile wash stations and cooling units are being created to extend crop availability through proper washing and packing for long term storage and sale.

Once the stations have been built and tested, the research and development plans will be made available worldwide. It is hoped that poor areas will be able to utilize similar structures in food deserts, enriching the diets of residents. PLATE will bring safe, fresh, affordable and nutritious food to families and individuals through the local community and worldwide.

Please join Extension and ADM for Save the Food: A Harvest Loss Avoidance Tour, where you can see first-hand the cooling unit and wash stations being created. Specialists in the field of postharvest loss avoidance will speak during the event as well.

Save the Food will take place on Aug. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rantoul FFA garden at the corner of Doolittle Blvd and Gray Ave. From Rt. 45, take the Wheat Ave. exit and turn left onto Doolittle. Please register by visiting the University of Illinois Champaign Extension website at web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/ or calling 217-333-7672.

Come see the change happening within our community as we work to expand the ability for everyone to have safe, fresh, and affordable produce on their plate!

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please call the Extension Office.

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