You're invited to join the inaugural "Seed Stories" event, From Soil to Souq, a Middle Eastern Foodways* working session. This working session is specifically designed for professionals like you who are shaping Columbus's food landscape. Benefits include connections to experts and professionals in fields related to your work, opportunities to learn about and connect to other people who are knowledgeable about Middle Eastern foodways, a productive working meeting with tangible results. WHO SHOULD ATTEND - Food security professionals and agricultural extension specialists - Restaurant owners, grocery stores, and food business entrepreneurs - Cultural organizations and community leaders - Urban farmers and food system advocates - Anyone interested in Middle Eastern foodways WORKING SESSION GOALS - Build pathways toward a vibrant Middle Eastern foodways economy in Columbus and the surrounding area - Strengthen ties in our networks between cultural communities and food professionals - Foster intergenerational dialogue connecting heritage with daily life WHY YOUR PARTICIPATION MATTERS With Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants booming nationwide, Columbus has an opportunity to channel the enthusiasm for authentic Middle Eastern foodways. Your experience and knowledge related to Middle Eastern food, food systems, business development, or cultural heritage is essential to making this vision a reality. INTERGENERATIONAL FOCUS While this is a professional working session, we encourage bringing young people and families. Our conversations are designed to inspire the next generation of food professionals while honoring traditional knowledge. Space is limited. Register now! Go to: https://nas.io/agri-cultural-community-builders/events/seed-stories-work-session ABOUT THE PROJECT Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture is all about nurturing the next generation of chefs, food entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors by introducing them to the rich world of Middle Eastern cuisine. The program believes that learning to cook Middle Eastern dishes not only makes chefs more skilled, but also helps them meet the growing demand for global flavors—especially as Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants are booming in the U.S. This fall, they’re launching “Seed Stories”—a series of gatherings where people with deep ties to the Middle East (including Southwest Asia and North Africa) will share their memories, knowledge, and experiences around food. These events are designed to spark conversations about how Middle Eastern food is grown, sourced, and prepared, and everyone is welcome—especially young people and families. The first event is on Friday, September 19th. At its core, Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture is an educational effort that links workforce development, food traditions, and youth engagement. The goal is to help kids see themselves in vibrant careers connected to food, and to fill a gap in Columbus: the need for real feedback and support for Middle Eastern crops and cuisine. The project grew out of conversations with teachers and local food experts in Columbus, Ohio, who saw a need to get young people excited about agriculture and cultural heritage. With the average U.S. farmer now 58 years old, there’s a real need to inspire the next generation. Seeds of Middle Eastern Culture hopes to do this through storytelling, hands-on learning, and intergenerational conversations. Guided by the Columbus and Franklin County local food action plan, the project brings together urban farmers, university staff, and community members to teach gardening and foodways in ways that are meaningful for Middle Eastern communities. The big idea: help young people imagine a future where they see themselves as an influential contributor to a vibrant, diverse food scene.