2020 should be a fascinating year in the foodservice industry as we embark on a new decade that promises an even greater commitment to change than the one we leave behind. As the industry strives to match rapidly changing consumer habits incorporate key terms such as “authentic, sustainable and boujee”, it seems each of us is forced to keep up or fall behind. Our February meeting was hosted by Chef Peter Kelly at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. Peter is the owner of Anchor Toffee and has been a friend of mine for many years. Chef Kelly’s demo on the toffee making process was very educational. This was a great way to tie in some Valentine’s Day ideas. I thank everyone who came, it was a great turnout. One hundred years ago, 38% of the U.S. workforce made their living as farmers. Today, that number is fewer than 2%. The population was also around 100 million. Today it is closer to 330 million. We continue to feed our nation. But if we continue to grow we will need new ways. Please join us at Gotham Greens on March 2 for an amazing tour. Gotham Greens, a pioneer in indoor agriculture and a leading fresh produce and food company, converted the site of a former General Electric lighting factory into a 100,000 square foot, high-tech greenhouse located along Providence’s Woonasquatucket River. We have two fundraisers coming up in the next few months. We have partnered with the D-Strong foundation and will be hosting a pasta dinner at Dan’s Tavern on the Green in North Kingstown on April 24th. And of course, we have our 29th Annual Golf Tournament at Jamestown Golf Course on May 18th. Volunteers will be needed for both events. Don’t forget. Tell us what you think and what you want to hear more about. I’m always a click away at rmccue@jwu.edu. Please check out our website WWW.ACFRI.ORG
Ray