Student economic research featured in local news

Research conducted by a group of economics students at Randolph College continues to gather more attention.

On Sunday, The News & Advance published an article about the impending closure of a Food Lion in the Rivermont area of Lynchburg. The article emphasizes that losing the store could add to the city's "Food Deserts," and it cites Randolph students' research into the topic.

The students surveyed the food options and prices at several stores in downtown Lynchburg. Their research shed light on the food desert downtown, where many low-income residents lack access to healthy, affordable foods. It helped inform Lynchburg City Council about how the local community market, which was targeted in budget cut talks, helps provide nutrition in the downtown area.

It also was published recently in the Virginia Economic Review.

Randolph chef and professor provide tips on making a local Thanksgiving Dinner

A couple of days ago we told you about Dave Wasson, executive chef for Randolph College's dining services, and John Abell, an economics professor, filming a news segment about buying local and eating locally-grown foods.

Here, you can watch Wasson and Abell in action. They talk about using local foods and how you can make Thanksgiving dinner using local ingredients.

You can read Wasson's recipes on WSET's website.

Watch video > > >

Randolph chef, economics professor film news segment on local foods

Randolph College Executive Chef Dave Wasson will make his TV premiere Thursday, November 16 at 5 p.m. on www.wset.com in Lynchburg.

Wasson recently filmed a cooking segment with Lauren Compton, a WSET reporter. The story will explore the locavore movement and why people should be concerned about where their food comes from. John Abell, a Randolph economics professor, will also be featured in the story offering expert commentary on the movement and the pros and cons associated with buying your food from mostly local sources.

Wasson, who works for Aramark Dining Services, the company contracted by Randolph College, spent time with Compton showing her several tasty, yet easy recipes for food using mostly local ingredients.

Watch WSET on Thursday to see what dishes they chose and the outcome! You might even get a recipe or two!