County Line Orchard held its first annual Farm to Table Dinner on November 5, 2011. The event featured several different types of food grown across Northwest Indiana to benefit the Orchard’s GrowNWI initiative.
Attendees dined on locally grown food such as, Capriole goat cheese, Gunthorp duck pizza, Organics roasted butternut squash, shepherd’s pie and of course apple pie. Diners were also able to sample more than two dozen of the 32 varieties of apples grown at the orchard. Among the favorites were Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples.
Anne McShane, from Honored Prairie Cooperative, has been a local food activist for over three years. At Honored Prairie, McShane is involved with local farmers distributing their products.
“When County Line Orchard began their community garden initiative, GrowNWI,” McShane explained, “I thought it would be a great way to contribute my talents.” With Honored Prairie, McShane distributes products through buying clubs specializing in free range chickens, grass fed beef and pantry items.
GrowNWI’S goal is to create a common voice within the region to promote community gardens and city farms, as well as to challenge community, business and civic leaders to lay the foundation for the growth of sustainable community gardens in every Northwest Indiana municipality.
Ryan Richardson, owner of County Line Orchard, said, “It’s been a challenge to get a community garden in each city. This year we were able to have three, two in Gary and one in Valparaiso.”
Richardson made special praise of the St. Timothy Garden in Gary. “The members of St. Timothy really embraced the challenge of a community garden, giving to those in need in their church, then to the local food banks.”
“We want community members to work together to grow fresh produce in community style gardens. The dinner tonight showcases local farmers and it is reflected in the menu. It also celebrates the end of the season. And we want to let everyone know we are going to continue the process and spend the winter getting ready for next season, and we want to continue to add more gardens.”
Beth Shrader from the NWI Regional Planning Committee came to talk about a local food study involving the Food System Advisory Committee, (Food SAC), which was started in November 2010.
“Folks from all sectors participated, including; farmers, ranchers, processors, distributors, chefs, waste management, and local citizens. The study involves profiling local food systems in LaPorte, Porter and Lake Counties,” explained Shrader.
Shrader said one concern of the initiative is to make sure local farming is sustainable and that all voices are heard and represented. Some of the goals include:
- Our region eating more local food.
- Our local food system is an economic generator for the region.
- Local food is accessible to everyone in our region.
- Our region is healthier through local food.
- Residents of the region have great awareness, understanding and appreciation of local food.
- Our local food system enhances our environment.
- Our region has a strong network of local food system collaborators.
Shrader concluded that the NWI Regional Planning Committee is excited about this first annual Farm to Table event by saying, “It is great to have such energized local food supporters. We want to build on that momentum.”
Guests were delighted to the soft sounds of Chris Sulcer and Lou Samaniego of the band Chris & Lou. Sulcer said, “I think this is a great idea and I am happy to be a part of it. I just hope I get to try a little bit of the food.”
Ryan Richardson thanked everyone in attendance saying, “I am amazed by the response we’ve had tonight.”
To find out more about GrowNWI, check them out on Facebook.
A special thank you to all the participating farmers, chefs and sponsors including; United Way, McShanes Office Supply, Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana, Aberdeen Manor, St. Timothy Church, Stewart House Urban Farm and Gardens, Catholic Charities, Porter County Parks Department, City of Hobart, City of Lake Station, City of Valparaiso, and Luke Oil.