Author Eric Schlosser presents free lecture at UAF

May 10, 2010

Marmian Grimes



Erica Franich
907-474-7588
5/10/10


Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation” and co-producer of the documentary “Food, Inc.” will present a free lecture on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus May 27. “Fast Food Nation and Ruminations: An Evening with Eric Schlosser” will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Davis Concert Hall.

After the 2001 release of his book, “Fast Food Nation,” Schlosser became a lead spokesman for a new food movement: a turn away from fast food and mass-produced products in favor of more natural products and local food production. The book and subsequent documentary, released in 2006, called attention to such practices as feeding feedlot cattle waste from hog slaughterhouses; exploiting vulnerable populations with low paying and dangerous jobs; and using an advertising strategy that “feed(s) off the young.”

Despite his fame in this topic, Schlosser’s career is diverse. Initially a playwright and creative writer, he later turned to investigative reporting, covering black-market economies, the national prison system and agriculture.  He also co-produced the award-winning film “There Will Be Blood” and wrote a children’s book, “Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food.”

A free showing of Schlosser’s “Food, Inc.” is scheduled for June 10 at 7 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium. Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, UAF Cooperative Extension Service and the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research are sponsoring Schlosser’s visit to UAF.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Erica Franich, Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning public information officer, at 907-474-7588 or via e-mail at elfranich@alaska.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/summer/special-events/lectures/

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