Lakewood Observer Gourmet Food Security Network Holds Harvest Soiree
Lakewood Observers committed to the model of community supported agriculture (CSA), the taste of fresh gourmet vegetables, good times in Lakewood together and support for local business organized the LO Gourmet Food Security Network and held the First Harvest Soiree at bela dubby on July 13.
In a generous commitment to sustainable agriculture and experiential community building in third places, John Crino, owner of bela dubby, is providing a space for delivery, while hosting weekly Harvest Soirees for the LO Gourmet Food Security Network.
The Harvest Soiree brought the membership together for the first time in a birthday celebration of fresh vegetables delivered by Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson, Ohio and Lakewood’s neighborhood culture fostered through the Lakewood Observer and bela dubby.
Launched on the birthday of Kim Senft-Paras, one of the group’s key organizers, the LO Gourmet Food Security Network developed from Holly Whitson’s article on Community Supported Agriculture published last summer in the Lakewood Observer.
Holly Whitson’s compelling article raised the consciousness of several Lakewood Observers who realized ethical choices in food consumption needed to be made and that sustainable practices between the urban dweller and farmer hinged on mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of local food production.
Impressed with the idea of Community Supported Agriculture, Lakewood Observers conversed with Holly about taking practical steps to identify a local farm in order to build a network of Lakewood Observers pledged to support its operation so that farmland could become connected with our community.
After some research, Holly identified Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson as a worthy local agricultural enterprise that would offer a CSA and delivery of crops to Lakewood.
Members of the LO Gourmet Food Security Network provided the farmer with working capital in advance, while gaining the satisfaction of knowing that the grower will receive a better price for the crops, gain a measure of financial security, as well as getting some relief from the time-consuming chores of marketing and selling at farmer’s markets.
At the First Harvest Soiree, members enjoyed munching on bee pollen, snap peas, radish leaves and carrot cake. Organic eggs and micro brews were also on hand.
Chef Geoff inspected the gourmet produce.
"The onions were superb. And the basil was heavenly," said Chef Geoff.
Jan Henderson provided a recipe for Sautéed Radish and Radish Greens.
Covered Bridge Gardens provided a recipe for pesto.
“We made pesto - according to their recipe and it was incredible. The whole family loved it,” says Lynne Farris, who attended the First Harvest Soiree with her husband Don.
LO Gourmet Food Security Network are planning a day trip to Covered Bridge Farm later in the season.
Next year, the goal is enlistment of 50 members in the LO Gourmet Food Security Network with commitments to the Covered Bridge Farm CSA program.
If you are interested in joining the LO Gourmet Food Security Network, stop by the Harvest Soiree held at bela dubby on Thursdays around six p.m.
In a generous commitment to sustainable agriculture and experiential community building in third places, John Crino, owner of bela dubby, is providing a space for delivery, while hosting weekly Harvest Soirees for the LO Gourmet Food Security Network.
The Harvest Soiree brought the membership together for the first time in a birthday celebration of fresh vegetables delivered by Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson, Ohio and Lakewood’s neighborhood culture fostered through the Lakewood Observer and bela dubby.
Launched on the birthday of Kim Senft-Paras, one of the group’s key organizers, the LO Gourmet Food Security Network developed from Holly Whitson’s article on Community Supported Agriculture published last summer in the Lakewood Observer.
Holly Whitson’s compelling article raised the consciousness of several Lakewood Observers who realized ethical choices in food consumption needed to be made and that sustainable practices between the urban dweller and farmer hinged on mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of local food production.
Impressed with the idea of Community Supported Agriculture, Lakewood Observers conversed with Holly about taking practical steps to identify a local farm in order to build a network of Lakewood Observers pledged to support its operation so that farmland could become connected with our community.
After some research, Holly identified Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson as a worthy local agricultural enterprise that would offer a CSA and delivery of crops to Lakewood.
Members of the LO Gourmet Food Security Network provided the farmer with working capital in advance, while gaining the satisfaction of knowing that the grower will receive a better price for the crops, gain a measure of financial security, as well as getting some relief from the time-consuming chores of marketing and selling at farmer’s markets.
At the First Harvest Soiree, members enjoyed munching on bee pollen, snap peas, radish leaves and carrot cake. Organic eggs and micro brews were also on hand.
Chef Geoff inspected the gourmet produce.
"The onions were superb. And the basil was heavenly," said Chef Geoff.
Jan Henderson provided a recipe for Sautéed Radish and Radish Greens.
Covered Bridge Gardens provided a recipe for pesto.
“We made pesto - according to their recipe and it was incredible. The whole family loved it,” says Lynne Farris, who attended the First Harvest Soiree with her husband Don.
LO Gourmet Food Security Network are planning a day trip to Covered Bridge Farm later in the season.
Next year, the goal is enlistment of 50 members in the LO Gourmet Food Security Network with commitments to the Covered Bridge Farm CSA program.
If you are interested in joining the LO Gourmet Food Security Network, stop by the Harvest Soiree held at bela dubby on Thursdays around six p.m.
Volume 2, Issue 15, Posted 6:06 PM, 07.16.06
