A celebration of agriculture in the state of Alabama will get started Friday morning, right in the center of Atmore.

This Friday, state leaders will gather to support “Food Day,” a national celebration conceived by The Institute for Science and Public Interest. The goal is to encourage citizens to make changes in their diets, and to take action to solve food-related problems in communities.

The statewide celebration will officially kick off Friday at 9:30 a.m., at the Atmore Farmer’s Market located next to Atmore City Hall. Officials in attendance will include Atmore Mayor Jim Staff, Atmore City Councilwoman Susan Smith and representatives from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Escambia County includes 454 farms and more than 107,600 acres of farmland.
“Agriculture plays a vital role in Escambia County and throughout the state,” Staff said. “I support all efforts that will foster positive growth for Alabama’s top industry, and I am honored to be hosting the official kickoff for this statewide coordinated event.”

In addition to Staff and Smith, other officials scheduled to speak include Amy McGhee, founder of the Rigsby-McGhee Farm Foundation; Lynn Woodcock, Wind Creek Hospitality’s (WCH) director of community relations and agriculture initiatives; and tribal leaders from PCI.

Immediately following the kickoff, WCH’s “Mission in Motion” food truck will travel to Mobile for an event at Victory Teaching Farms. Also in attendance will be Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan.

Other events are planned throughout the state Friday.

Both McMillan and Gov. Robert Bentley have issued proclamations encouraging support for the “Food Day” events.