Green Halloween Celebration Tips From The Philadelphia Zoo

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." ~ Humphrey Bogart

When Humphrey Bogart spoke these words in the classic movie Casablanca I don’t think he had this in mind, but I certainly thought it. After waiting in the never ending line for the ladies room at the Philadelphia Zoo last weekend (Women will understand the joy of that) I saw a pumpkin cut-out on the bathroom mirror.

I stopped in my tracks and paused to read. There were several on the mirrors with green Halloween celebration tips. Tips included using real plates and cutlery at your Halloween festivities to avoid dumping more trash into landfills and buying your children reusable bags to collect their Halloween loot in as they trick-or-treat.

The tip that caught my eye was the one that will be of the most interest to the loyal readers of the Philly Food Feed. The suggestion was to purchase fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from your local CSA. A CSA is Community Supported Agriculture collective that you buy into. This “subscription” of sorts allows the buyer to support local farms while partaking in great locally grown produce. Click the link for more information about what a CSA is.

I enjoyed this tip the best for two reasons. The first reason is that I love what Ben is supporting here with regards to supporting local farmers while enjoying food that is fresh and tastes great to boot. The second reason that I like it is because I see the need to eat in a way that is not just ecologically conscious but also healthier. The idea of serving food from a CSA, or your local farmer’s market for that matter, is so ripe with benefits. While I am not hosting a get-together this year for my favorite holiday I am certainly filing away this idea for future use.

Check out the link for more green tips from the Philadelphia Zoo.

From Guest Blogger - Susan Anderson

Beast Feast at the Philadelphia Zoo...Even The Animals Eat Locally Grown Food!

Last weekend I visited the Philadelphia Zoo with my family to take part in the Boo at the Zoo events. While I watched my two year old toddling up to various sponsors to get her jack-o-lantern bucket filled with treats I had a chance to see first hand how the Philadelphia Zoo is doing their part to encourage the buy and eat locally grown food campaign that our blog master Ben writes about.

Every weekend in October the zoo has hosted an event called Beast Feast. From 10 A.M. until 4 P.M. visitors are treated to the sight of the various cute critters chowing down on great produce. As a part of the Zoo’s “Buy Local” conservation program the animals are treated to fresh tasty seasonal produce grown on local farms!


This shows one visitor capturing the prairie dogs thoroughly enjoying a great locally grown pumpkin. While I was there I saw many pumpkins being enjoyed by various Zoo animals.

This Saturday is the last day you can visit and see Beast Feast in person. I hope you take the time to go with your family and see this great scene of animals enjoying what we all should…great fresh food locally grown. Don’t worry, the Phillies Game won’t start until later so you’ll have plenty of time to visit. Just make sure you wear your red gear proudly!

Please click this link for the scheduled feeding times and locations.

Where: Philadelphia Zoo

Price: Included in admission

When: 10:00am Sat 10/31/09

Guest Blogger - Susan Anderson