The talented John T. Edge is a tremendous asset for Oxford and Ole Miss.

The author, teacher, and Southern food expert who calls Oxford home has brought as much positive attention to our community over the years as anybody. And that’s saying something.

The Southern Foodways Alliance that calls Ole Miss home is one of our greatest assets as well. Founded and directed by Edge, the Southern Foodways Alliance has given rise to the study and celebration of Southern food in a manner that is transformative.

Food movements in Oxford, Birmingham, Nashville and other Southern cities have direct ties to the SFA culture, and it all emanates from here. Even notable New Orleans chefs and restaurants claim benefits from the association.

This week is SFA’s annual fall symposium in Oxford and on the Ole Miss campus and Edge and friends will be studying corn and its relationship to the South.

We applaud the work of Edge and SFA, making Oxford the home of such important and interesting work. And we celebrate the role that Edge and SFA play in the captivating Southern food movement.