Michael Pollan speaks in Madison

Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and writer for the New York Times Magazine, is in Madison this week, to attend the Food For Thought Festival, and to speak at some UW-Madison events.

Pollan is a natural and local food advocate, much loved by Outpost staff and foodies the world over. He was featured in the recent food documentary Food, Inc. and in his latest book "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto," he puts forth the edict: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

To hear Pollan speak in Madison, attend one of the following:

1. Go Big Read/Humanities Without Boundaries Public Lecture

 In Defense of Food: The Omnivore's Solution
 Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Madison's Kohl Center.
 This event is free and open to the public.

Go Big Read is a UW-madison program that invites students, faculty and community residents alike to read and discuss a chosen title. In Defense of Food was the first book chosen for the program. Read about Go Big Read in the university's Badger Herald here.

2. In Defense of Food: A Panel Discussion

Friday Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m., Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison. 
Alongside local journalists and farmers, Pollan will discuss food and agriculture.

3. REAP's Food for Thought Festival

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Pollan will be the keynote speaker at this festival.
For details, visit www.reapfoodgroup.org

If you can find the time to get to Madison and hear Pollan speak, we highly recommend it. If not, these articles and books are an excellent second-best:

• Pollan's thoughtful Op-Ed about the health insurance debate and how our diet plays a pivotal role in bringing down healthcare costs. In the New York Times.
• Pollan's recent article about the future of food in America, published in the New York Times Magazine.
• Michael Pollan's own web site, with reviews and synopses of his best-selling titles.