Farm Films: Urban farming documentary double feature at Drexel tomorrow

For all those guilty of drooling over the fresh produce sprouting up in Philly’s many urban farms, it’s time to stop staring and learn about the roots of this growing movement. The Westphal College at Drexel University is hosting a special screening of two farm-focused films tomorrow, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. First, watch "West Philly Grown," the story of West Philly’s own Mill Creek Farm, a community provider of organic produce and educational programs. Then, stick around to learn about Detroit's urban farming scene in “Urban Roots,” which screens at 7:30 p.m. Once you’re thoroughly motivated to get digging, discover how to turn your farming dreams into reality with a panel discussion featuring leaders of the movement. Admission is $5 or free with a Drexel I.D. The screening is at Drexel’s Bossone Research Center (3140 Market St.).

Carrotmob Comes To Philly

Imagine a world where consumers really did control corporate agendas. Whereby simply choosing to buy from one store over another, consumers could make a business more eco-friendly. This is the Carrotmob model.

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The Lunch Wars: For students and adults fighting for better, healthier school lunches, fresh cafeteria food is an issue of respect

Philadelphia high school student Seth Brown is frank about it: He started skipping lunch more and more this past year. “The rate has increased this year,” says the 18-year-old rising senior at West Philadelphia’s Parkway West High School, “because my English class is above the kitchen.”

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Land Grab: Urban Tree Connection

The Polselli lot at 53rd and Wyalusing in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia was a dangerous eyesore. Equipment from the owner’s contracting business, stripped cars and barrels of gasoline sat nestled in the overgrown weeds.

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A Dream Deferred

Unfortunately, the dream has come to an end. The West Philly Hybrid X Team (profiled in July’s Grid) has been eliminated from the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Competition. Both the team’s cars failed to reach the mileage standards in the “knock out” round of tests.

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