BACKGROUND
The MAD Symposium is an annual symposium held in Copenhagen, Denmark consisting of presentations from chefs, farmers, academics, thinkers, and artists. The event is hosted by MAD Food Organization, which was founded in 2011 by Danish chef René Redzepi, of the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma.
BASICS
MAD is what it says on the packet. Mad is the Danish word for food and this is a series of food-focused talks and demonstrations organized by a not- for-profit organization whose mission is “to make every meal a better meal”. They aim to educate the public on how to eat responsibly without impacting the environment, as well as what’s best for your body. They’ve taken the discussion global, from their home town of Copenhagen as far afield as New York. Catch up on the chat and visit their website for interesting debates on topics such as ‘what makes sheep brain tasty’ and ‘the true cost of cheap food’.
ELABORATION
MAD is led by a board of directors and a professional staff. MAD is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was established as forening in 2011. In 2016, this forening, the Komitéen for MAD Symposium, established a US Foundation, to expand its reach and in response to the many philanthropic supporters who wanted to be a part of MAD’s mission. MAD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the US and donations to MAD are deductible under US 501(c)3 law and in the UK through a partnership with the Sustainable Food Alliance.