Tickets are now on sale for the September 25, 2022 Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden, a must do Charlotte food event for culinary enthusiasts. It will be held at the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. The event – sponsored by Piedmont Culinary Guild (PCG) and the Center for Environmental Systems (CEFS) – pairs some of Charlotte’s best chefs with local farmers and food producers to celebrate local food and farms.
The Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden will regain its momentum after pausing due to safety concerns during the pandemic. The event sold out the first two years in a row and quickly became a major culinary and sustainable food awareness event in the Charlotte area.
This year’s Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden will feature over 30 of the Charlotte area’s finest chefs and local farmers creating dishes that highlight the delicious seasonal bounty of local farms. Guests will enjoy sampling locally-sourced foods and beverages, meeting chefs and farmers, listening to live music, and enjoying the beauty of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Proceeds from the event will support agriculture and food system training programs at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and farmer grants at Piedmont Culinary Guild.
According to PCG Director Kris Reid, “The guild has been fortunate to partner with CEFS over the years to create this wonderful showcase of flavors of the Piedmont. This event raises money for Farm Grants that allows farmer members of the guild to compete for funds that could help them with projects or purchase assets needed to build efficiency and profitability. We are excited to get back to the work of connecting our food chain and supporting farmers.”
Reid is particularly excited this year. “It’s much more than just a good time for the eaters, farmers and chefs, or a chance to raise needed funding,” Reid adds. “By bringing people together who are passionate about healthy food and delicious food, a synergy builds upon the joy of making, sharing and enjoying.” The joy and relationships, Reid believes, are as important as the funds raised for Farm Grants.
“CEFS is delighted to partner once again with Piedmont Culinary Guild to bring together local chefs, farms, and community members,” says CEFS Interim Co-Director Michelle Schroeder-Moreno. “This year, CEFS’ agriculture and food system training programs engaged more than 50 participants. Farm to Fork helps us to grow the next generation of farm and food system leaders, and we appreciate the support.”
Tickets for the event are $110 per person, which includes drinks, and may be purchased through the Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden Eventbrite.
Participating chef Chris Coleman, says “the Farm to Fork Picnic is an excellent way for the community to meet area chefs and farmers and to taste the amazing things that can be done with local foods. By pairing chefs and farmers to create a dish to be served, the guest creates a visceral connection to that farm and restaurant. The Goodyear House is excited to be a part of this important fundraising event.”
Piedmont Culinary Guild is a grassroots effort to create a working dialogue with the food industry by providing a platform that is easily accessible for all to utilize and benefit. Connecting the Food Chain in the Piedmont region of North and South Carolina, the PCG strengthens the local chef and culinary community by sharing resources, educating consumers, and establishing regional recognition.
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.
For more information on the Charlotte Food Event Farm To Fork:
Event website: piedmontculinaryguild.com/f2f
Facebook: @farmtoforknc and @PiedmontCulinaryGuild
Twitter: @f2fpicnicnc and @pcg_charlotte
Instagram: @f2fpicnic and @pcg_charlotte
Hashtags: #FarmtoFork2022
