IC Foods, created in fall 2009, is now open to students and staff this semester who have any cultural, social or economic interest in food.

The club will act as “headquarters” for all food-related groups on campus. Members of any food-related organization on campus — such as IC Nutrition Club, Organic Gardening Club, IC Vegetarian Club, and all others — are coming together under one umbrella to promote the “philosophy” of the importance of food in our lives in a multifaceted perspective.

Founded by senior Cole Lechleiter, the club is a collaboration of the different food-oriented organizations to make it less of a challenge to host events, keep track of common resources and replace e-board members.

Senior Taryn Hubbard, a member of the club, said it is important to understand how all of the food organizations relate and to embrace the opportunity that each group can learn from one another.

“We all eat thoughtlessly,” Hubbard said.  “A lot of the people in the group realize that, but from different perspectives. Someone from the nutrition club may realize that thoughtless eating is really hurting our body; someone from the organic growers perspective may realize it’s hurting our planet as well as our ability to interact with our food; and someone from diabetes awareness may realize that it’s hurting marginalized groups of people.”

Formally, no events are set in stone for the new group, but on the radar in the upcoming months is “The ‘Real Food’ Event,” which coordinates with other organizations in the community. Also in the making is a film event about community-supported agriculture and overall, a number of events that they hope will change people’s perspective about food at the college.

Nutrition Professor Julia Lapp said eventually the group would like to coordinate with organizations around Tompkins County such as local farms, sustainable food systems and even Cornell University’s Small Farms Program. 

“If you have any interest in food from any perspective — food and art, food and music — we are really open to having anyone participate and help us develop our mission,” Lapp said.