Food Day, modeled on Earth Day

Chefs, nutritionists and food activists are asking U.S. restaurants to buy more products locally or collect for food banks for Food Day in October. Groups such as Chefs Collaborative, American Culinary Federation and the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture are encouraging local restaurants to seek out partnerships with area hunger and sustainable-agriculture groups Oct. 24. "Food Day is a great opportunity for restaurants to show their commitment to locally produced artisan foods, to showcase a variety of whole grains and to reach out to an audience hungry for more sustainable ways to consume that are more in keeping with the health of our bodies and our environment," Ellen and Todd Gray, owners of Equinox Restaurant, Watershed and Todd Gray's Muse at the Corcoran, all in Washington, said in a statement. Modeled on Earth Day, organizers hope Food Day will inspire Americans to hold thousands of events in schools, college campuses, houses of worship, restaurants, and even in private homes aimed at fixing America's diet and food system. For example: -- A chain of vegan restaurants, Native Foods, will organize cooking demonstrations and tastings in its seven locations in California. -- In Manhattan, the massive Italian market Eataly is handing out Food Day materials and bringing in 20 farmers to talk to customers. -- A New Haven, Conn., Real Food Restaurant Week will offer special meals featuring local produce and healthier options.