Eat Real Fest

FAQ

Q: What is the Eat Real Festival?

Eat Real combines a state fair, a street-food festival, and a block party to create a celebration of good food. At the Eat Real Festival, participants learn where food comes from, who grows and makes it, and how they make it. Eat Real Festival attendance is 100% free of charge, all food at the festival costs $5 and less, and all food incorporates regionally sourced, fabulous, and sustainably produced ingredients.

We know that today’s eaters are concerned about how to spend their food dollar yet are also increasingly interested in learning about how food choices can contribute to a healthier environment and stronger communities. By using fresh and local ingredients (and their amazing flavors), Eat Real aims to show how easy it can be to support a regional food system by bringing farmers, food producers and eaters together. We are very excited to be supporting more than 300 local and regional businesses and organizations at our events in Oakland and Los Angeles.

Q: Where is it located?

The events will take place at Helms Bakery District in Culver City, CA and Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.

Q: How much is the event?

There is no cost for entry into the festival. In fact, there is no cost for any of the festival activities that includes music, films, workshops, demonstrations, and exciting events like the canning and butchery contests. Additionally, the Eat Real Festival works with all food vendors to ensure that all food will be priced between $1-5, making this a truly accessible and affordable event.

Q: Do I need to buy tickets?

Nope.

Q: Can I use credit card?

Eat Real is cash only, but ATMs will be placed throughout the event.

Q: How do I get to the Eat Real Festival?

Check your city event page. Go to Festival Guide and then click Getting to ERF.

Q: Where can I find a schedule of events?

Check your city event page. Go to Festival Guide and then click Schedule.

Q: Is this a one-time event?

Nope, this is an annual festival. We’re now in our third year for Eat Real Oakland, and are excited to announce the first-ever Eat Real Los Angeles.

Q: What kind of street food vendors will you have?

The best! Eat Real Festival works with street food trucks and carts serving a wide variety of food from tacos, BBQ, falafel, salads, sandwiches, curry, grilled meats and vegetables, noodles, fruit, ice cream, and hot dogs. We also have space devoted to local food craft folks (cheese, charcuterie, pickles, jams, and more) and urban homesteading where you can learn what it takes to get in touch with your inner urban homesteader.

Q: Who is putting on this event?

Eat Real Festival was founded in 2008 by a group of people who believe that delicious, convenient, affordable, and sustainable food should be celebrated through an annual food festival. Eat Real is a social venture business. Our main product – the Eat Real Festival – supports a strong social change agenda. In addition, we donate a small percentage of our profit to several California organizations promoting access to healthy and affordable food, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Q: Are you a non-profit?

Eat Real Festival is a social venture business, which means we are a values-driven event focused on educating people about the food they eat. We have affiliations with non-profits including Community Alliance with Family Farms, La Cocina, People's Grocery, and Root Down LA. We create specific fundraising events for our affiliates in which they receive 100% of the proceeds.

Q: Who are your sponsors?

Our presenting sponsors are Whole Foods Market, Jack London Square, and Helms Bakery District. Check here for a complete list of sponsors.

Q: Why are you focusing on local, organic, and sustainable food?

Eat Real’s mission is to put eaters in contact with chefs, farmers, and producers through an affordable and accessible event. Supporting a local and regional food system is important for healthy people, communities, and economies. Access to fresh and affordable foods is key to combating the serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease that afflict so many communities in the United States. And it just tastes better. This is why we are focused on food craft, street food, and urban homesteading and how they highlight the range of food options available that include simple, tasty, handmade and fresh treats. Additionally, when people purchase their food from street food vendors, local food producers, and regional farmers, the dollars spent remain in the community and support local businesses, creating a stronger and healthier economy.

Q: How are street food vendors using local, sustainable, or organic ingredients?

By agreeing to take part in Eat Real, vendors commit to using 1-2 organic, local, or sustainable ingredients in their food. Wherever possible, and whenever needed, Eat Real connects street vendors with farmers or distributors to help get the necessary ingredients.

Q: How can I get involved?

We are always looking for volunteers! We need assistance in getting posters up, handing out postcards, and working on-site at the event. Please email volunteer@eatrealfest.com if you are interested.

Eat It. Make It. Grow It.

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FAQ