The Taste of Lexington event created a space for Washington and Lee students to learn about environmental impact, connect with local businesses, and enjoy tasty treats from lavender honey to delicious pizza.
The Student Environmental Action League (SEAL) hosted the annual event on Jan. 12 in the Science Center Atrium. SEAL invited seven local businesses, including Heliotrope Pizza, Globowl and Tantivy Lavender Farms.
“Taste of Lexington is an opportunity for W&L students to connect with local businesses that are using environmental business practices,” said Grace Rustay, ’27, the president of SEAL.
Aside from trying the products, students learned how local businesses reduce their carbon footprint, Rustay said.
The event also promoted a sense of community between small Lexington businesses and students, according to the owner of Abundant Life Kitchen, Kate Hender.
“I believe that food is one of the greatest social unifiers of our time because it is impossible not to have a great conversation when you’re eating something delicious,” Rustay said.
Many of these local businesses have filled specific niches in the community, Hender said. Abundant Life Kitchen provides food for those with allergies, she said.
Hender started her business after realizing there were few restaurant options for people with allergies or food restrictions. Hender also prioritizes using local ingredients.
“Over time I have learned who’s who, who does what, and when their seasons are…I’ll even make recipes around what’s in season if I can source enough [produce],” Hender said.
The Taste of Lexington highlighted the importance of locally-owned businesses in the Lexington community, Hender said.
“You might hear the name or know where the location is, but you really have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. It’s not just pizza, it’s someone’s heart that goes into the food. You get to learn the reasons behind what’s happening,” Hender said.
In addition to promoting environmental awareness, the Taste of Lexington should persuade students to support businesses that make the world a greener place, Rustay said.
“The goal for this event is to keep sustainability from being a buzzword,” Rustay said. “The Taste of Lexington makes [sustainability] tangible because you hear what businesses are doing…to reduce their carbon footprint.”
The Taste of Lexington is one of many events SEAL has in order to advance its mission to promote environmental awareness and activism within the Lexington community. SEAL has hosted a wide variety of events from a flower-pressing workshop to hiking trail cleanups, and they plan to continue.