The conversation about what and how we eat continues. On Oct. 1, the annual Let’s Talk About Food Festival returns for its fifth year. The free event in Copley Square (the Globe is a sponsor) offers demonstrations and talks from area chefs and experts. On the docket this time around: sustainability, health, politics, food allergies, and cookies. (Sometimes you just need dessert.) In “Recipes From Afar: How Immigrant Cooks Impact the American Kitchen,’’ cooks and farmers from Nepal and Kenya pair with chefs like Jody Adams of Porto and Cassie Piuma of Sarma to give cooking lessons. Meanwhile, chef Michael Leviton and others teach festivalgoers everything they need to know about buying meat; seafood experts discuss aquaculture; cookbook writers share kid-friendly recipes; and baking experts Marilynn and Sheila Brass remind us why there’s no substitute for scratch baking. Event organizers expect close to 20,000 attendees at this year’s festival. For more information, go to www.letstalkaboutfood.com.DEVRA FIRST

Devra First can be reached at dfirst@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @devrafirst.