Nearly 60 people joined Trees That Feed Foundation last night at The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL, for the hard launch of Breadfruit: Three Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree by Dr. Russell Fielding. It was the very first public event for the book, published by Columbia University Press. For many in attendance, it was an inspiring introduction to one of the world’s most underutilized and remarkable trees.
Guests learned why breadfruit is gaining global attention for its nutritional power, economic potential, and climate benefits. Dr. Fielding brought the tree to life through stories from his five years of research around the world, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Dr. Fielding’s storytelling prowess was evident as he described being one with nature riding a surfboard carved from a breadfruit tree in Hawaiʻi. Another experience he relayed was meeting a woman in Ghana dedicated to introducing breadfruit at farmers’ markets as a resilient, nutrient-rich crop.
The evening sparked so much curiosity that The Book Stall nearly sold out of the book, generously donating 10% of sales to Trees That Feed Foundation. More book events are coming up in Florida and Hawaii. Contact us for details.
Guests raved over the delicious Ulu Foods Breadfruit Crackers from Barbados, donated by founder Courtney Mills. They also finished off the Cardamom Breadfruit Cookies made with Amasar All-Purpose Breadfruit Flour from Puerto Rico by TTFF volunteer Monica Fox.
At Trees That Feed Foundation, we are often asked why breadfruit is our flagship tree. Simple. No other tree checks all the boxes.
Breadfruit nourishes people, creates jobs, and benefits the environment, making it central to our work planting food-bearing trees in more than 20 countries across the Caribbean, Central America, and Africa.
Last night was more than a book launch. It was a celebration of people, stories, and a tree with the power to change lives.
Thank you to everyone in attendance. Special thanks go to volunteers Judy Osgood, Nancy Kurz, and Monica Fox. Monica recorded the riveting discussion with Dr. Fielding, which was led by Mike McLaughlin, co-founder of Trees That Feed Foundation.
Watch the evening’s presentation on YouTube by clicking here.
Purchase Breadfruit: Three Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree here.
