Farm to Fork celebration to reduce food insecurity in Summit County
A Delectable Harvest: Celebrating Community, Nourishment, and Sustainable LivingThe Farm to Fork fundraiser, a celebrated annual event, is set to once again benefit the Summit Community Gardens and EATS programs, including the renowned Food Farmacy and the transformative Edible Education initiatives. This vibrant gathering promises an evening filled with music, culinary delights, and heartwarming community spirit, all while supporting the vital work being done to nourish both bodies and minds.# A Delectable Harvest: Celebrating Community, Nourishment, and Sustainable Living## Empowering the Community, One Harvest at a TimeThe Farm to Fork fundraiser stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Summit Community Gardens and EATS programs to enrich the lives of individuals and families within their local community. Through their tireless efforts, these organizations have established a robust Food Farmacy program, which has already yielded an impressive 650 pounds of fresh, locally-grown produce this year alone. This bounty is then directly channeled to patients at the People's Health Clinic, ensuring that nutritious, home-grown sustenance reaches those in need.The true impact of the Food Farmacy program becomes even more evident when considering the remarkable achievement of last year, where the initiative managed to gather a staggering 1,300 pounds of food. This remarkable accomplishment underscores the profound difference these organizations are making in the lives of their community members, providing not just nourishment, but a sense of dignity and empowerment.### Cultivating Curious Minds through Edible EducationAlongside the impressive Food Farmacy program, the Summit Community Gardens and EATS initiatives have also made significant strides in their Edible Education efforts. Over 2,200 children have already participated in these transformative programs, which include summer camps and after-school activities centered around the garden. These hands-on experiences foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the origins of our food, inspiring the next generation to embrace sustainable living and healthy eating habits.The Edible Education programs go beyond simply teaching children about the wonders of gardening and food production. They also cultivate essential life skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. By engaging young minds in these enriching activities, the organizers are laying the groundwork for a future generation of conscious consumers and active stewards of the land.### A Celebration of Abundance and Community ConnectionsThe upcoming Farm to Fork fundraiser promises to be a truly remarkable celebration of the community's collective efforts. Hosted on the rooftop pool deck of the Pendry Park City, the event will feature a harmonious blend of live music, tantalizing culinary creations, and specially crafted cocktails infused with fresh herbs harvested from the organization's own garden.Executive director Helen Nadel shared her excitement about the unique cocktail offerings, including a refreshing mint mojito and a captivating lavender simple syrup concoction. "We'll be harvesting those herbs next week and bringing them up to the Pendry. We are really looking, honestly, to just have a wonderful time in celebration of all the work that we do and of all of our supporters," Nadel expressed, conveying the infectious enthusiasm that permeates this celebratory gathering.### Fostering Connections through Experiential AuctionsIn addition to the lively ambiance and delectable treats, the Farm to Fork fundraiser will also feature a live auction, showcasing a curated selection of unique, food-focused experiences. These one-of-a-kind offerings are designed to delight and engage the attendees, further strengthening the bonds between the community and the organizations they support.One particularly enticing auction item is a birthday party hosted by Gardens and EATS educators Erica Snyder and Brightie Huddleston. The party will be a true seed-to-plate experience, where the lucky winner and up to 10 children will have the opportunity to learn about the journey of their food, from planting to plate, in the comfort of their own home.Another auction item sure to captivate the attendees is a private cooking class with Chef Susan Ode, hosted by Mountain Town Olive Oil. This culinary experience will highlight the bounty of the fall harvest, allowing participants to delve into the flavors and techniques that celebrate the season's best offerings.For those seeking a more immersive and indulgent experience, the auction will also feature a gourmet dinner party with craft cocktails. Nadel and Huddleston will personally prepare a four-course meal at the winner's home, while a surprise mixologist will craft bespoke cocktails to complement the delectable dishes.### Investing in a Sustainable FutureThe Farm to Fork fundraiser serves as a vital lifeline for the Summit Community Gardens and EATS programs, enabling them to continue their impactful work within the community. Individual tickets for the event are priced at 5, while a group of five can secure a ticket package for ,000. These contributions not only support the immediate initiatives but also invest in the long-term sustainability and growth of these transformative programs.As the community gathers to celebrate the abundant harvest and the remarkable achievements of the Summit Community Gardens and EATS, the true essence of the Farm to Fork fundraiser becomes clear. It is a testament to the power of collective action, where individuals come together to nourish both bodies and minds, fostering a future of abundant health, sustainable living, and deeper connections within the community.