‘Fast Food Nation’ Author Eric Schlosser at the Hett on Apr. 25
Join Him for Dinner in St. Louis on Apr. 24
Lebanon, Ill. — Investigative journalist Eric Schlosser examined the fast food industry
and found the truth hard to swallow.
The author of Fast Food Nation will speak at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts
on Wednesday, Apr. 25 at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Distinguished Speakers Series at
McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Admission is free and open to the public but
reservations are encouraged. Call the box office at (618) 537-6863 or visit the website
theHett.com.
In Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, published a decade ago,
Schlosser explained how the industry has changed not only America’s diet but also
its landscape, economy, workforce and waistlines. The book was adapted into a film,
translated into over 20 languages and remained on The New York Times bestseller list
for two years. Schlosser co-wrote Chew on This (2006) to introduce younger readers
to the health effects of fast food and the workings of industrial agriculture.
Schlosser began his career as a playwright before he became a writer for The Atlantic
Monthly. Over the years he has researched and reported on migrant farm workers in
California, meatpacking workers in Texas and Colorado; marijuana growers, violent
crime victims, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, and the nation’s prison
system. In addition to writing non-fiction, he is credited as a producer on two award-winning
films: “Food, Inc.” and “There Will Be Blood.”
On Tuesday, Apr. 24, McKendree University and Slow Food St. Louis are hosting a unique
opportunity to join Schlosser at a dinner in his honor. It will be held from 6 to
10 p.m. at Farmhaus restaurant, 3257 Ivanhoe in southwest St. Louis.
Executive Chef Joshua Galliano, formerly of Monarch Restaurant, has created a special
five-course menu sourced from local farmers and vintners. Galliano was recently voted
“The People’s Best New Chef” in a Food and Wine magazine online poll.
-McK-
The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts - “The Hett” - is Southern Illinois’ premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Illinois, 25 miles from downtown St. Louis. www.theHett.com
