The food world is undergoing a seismic shift. Local and environmentally sustainable foods have been topping culinary forecasts consistently for years, including the 2015 National Restaurant Associations culinary forecast.  Farmers markets have become the new neighborhood gathering spots. And chefs as well as their patrons across the Washington, DC region and around the country are asking, "Where does this food come from? Who grew or raised this? What are their practices?" This shift comes to the nation's capital in a completely new way next week when Food Tank, the food think tank, comes to Washington, DC. January 21st and 22nd.  

75 local and national food leaders will come together over two days to inspire and share solutions to build a better food system at the first Food Summit held in partnership with George Washington University. The 2-day summit is sold out, but you can tune into the livestream and see the full agenda here.  

Can't make it to the summit? You don't want to miss 'Celebration of Sustainable Food," the exclusive 2nd Anniversary reception and dinner at Farmers Fishers and Bakers on Wednesday, January 21st from 5:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.  Join me along with Washington Post Food and Dining Editor Joe Yonan, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Chef Jose Andres, Farmers Restaurant Group Founding Partner Dan Simons, Edible DC Publisher Susan Able and more for an evening of delicious food, wine and inspiring conversation.  Get your tickets here. Receive $50 off dinner when you use code FTDinner.

Of course, you can always help spread the word via social media via these sample posts:

Tweet -  Join me in watching the #FoodTank Food Summit via livestream on Jan 21-22. 75 incredible speakers. Full agenda: 
http://foodtank.com/news/2015/01/tune-in-to-the-food-tank-summit-livestream-january-21-22-9am-5pm-est

Facebook - Let's build a better food system! Please join me in watching the #FoodTank Summit via livestream Jan 21 - 22. 75 incredible speakers! 
http://foodtank.com/news/2015/01/tune-in-to-the-food-tank-summit-livestream-january-21-22-9am-5pm-est

See you at the #FoodTank #FoodSummit!

As the saying goes, it takes a village at times to keep families and a community healthy. For the fourth year, Rock & Stroll to End Homelessness will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria. Six nonprofits from throughout Northern Virginia will come together to host the event, which includes a 10K/5K timed run, 1K Fun Run/Walk as well as a festival of activities for all ages as a way to raise awareness and funds to support those at risk.

The nonprofit partner organizations that will benefit from the funds raised during the day include ALIVE! (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically), The Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH), Community Lodgings, Good Shepherd Housing & Family Services, New Hope Housing and Wesley Housing. The Rock & Stroll To End Homelessness fund was established in 2012 at Alexandria’s community foundation, ACT for Alexandria.

“Unstable housing and homelessness have dire consequences for children, families, adults, and our communities. A range of services is needed to move families from living in cars, with friends, and on the street to permanent affordable housing” said Wesley Housing President/CEO Shelley Murphy. “The funds raised from Rock & Stroll will help the six nonprofit beneficiaries offer a full range of desperately needed programs and services to support children, adults, seniors, those with chronic disease as well as those with disabilities to regain their dignity and renew their lives.”

The day will kick off with the 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk at 8 a.m. (registration at 7 a.m).  Pricing for both the 10K/5K run is $30 before September 13. The price increases to $35 after that. Day of registration is $40.  The 1K Fun Run/Walk is $15. To register for the 4th Annual Rock & Stroll, visit www.rockandstroll.net.

After the run there will be a jam packed festival at John Carlyle Square Park located at 300 John Carlyle Street in Alexandria, just blocks from the King Street and Eisenhower Avenue Metro stations. Activities include the Run Awards presentation, Zumbathon featuring Zumba with Hilary, Hula Hoop Jam, Parkour workshops, Cornhole challenge, music, food and fun.  The festival hours are 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The price for the festival is $15 per person or $25 for a family package that includes one adult and up to three children under the age of 12. Tickets may be purchased by visiting https://runsignup.com/rockandstroll.

Join the conversation on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rockandstroll) and Twitter (@NOVARockNStroll) #RockandStroll.