“We can be a model for the country. The demand is like the ocean.  We need to get more in the ground and support the people who are doing it already.” – Kristina Bostick, Montgomery Countryside Alliance,
Changing the Way We Eat in Montgomery County

"On The Farm, Around The Table" Series a Chance to Meet Local Food Heroes
On the Farm, Around the Table is a chance to meet and eat with a stellar group of local farmers, chefs, health professionals, conservationists and entrepreneurs – and have some great meals in the meantime.  This is a group that is passionate about increasing the availability of locally produced food in Bethesda and Montgomery County, and many have achieved a great deal already.  Come and see first-hand what they’ve accomplished, listen to their ideas and plans for the future, and put in your own two cents or educate yourself more about what’s going on to increase the availability of locally produced food in Montgomery County.  Co-hosted by Bethesda Green and Full Plate Ventures, which helps companies and community organizations build sustainable, regional food systems, this late summer series is a chance to experience and share the passion of this group.

If you have an interest in local and sustainable eating, this series is for you. Each of the events promises to be filled with great food and the chance to engage in stimulating, thoughtful discussion about our local food supply.  It’s also a chance to meet with others who share an interest in local and sustainable food.  Space is limited so early signup is suggested.

Start With Breakfast in Bethesda and a Tour of the Bethesda Central Farm Market on August 21
The series starts with Closing the Loop in Our Food System – Let’s Discuss Over Breakfast on Sunday, August 21.  A breakfast made from locally sourced food will be served during a panel discussion that will include local community leaders, restaurant owners and healthcare professionals.  Scheduled to take part are Caroline Taylor, executive director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, and Shannon Varley, a farmer with Bella Terra Family Farm.  Both Taylor and Varley are part of Land Link Montgomery,  a new initiative to connect aspiring and expanding farmers with rural landowners. 

Also participating in the panel are Jessica Weiss, executive director of growingSOUL, Dave Feldmen, executive director of Bethesda Green, and Diane Welland, an author and dietician.  After breakfast and the panel discussion, the group will take a walk through the Bethesda Central Farm Market and meet the market’s Founder, Mitch Berliner. 

Continue on September 10 With Lunch and a Tour of Rocklands Farm in Poolesville
On Saturday, September 10, the series continues with Fertile Ground – Local Farm Tour and Lunch at Rocklands Farm in Poolesville.  Rocklands Farm is practicing sustainable farming using a variety of methods, research sources, and local support for its production.  The farm is operated by college friends Greg Glenn and Shawn Eubank, both committed to sustainable farming.  Participants will get the chance to eat lunch made from locally-produced food and then tour the farm to see how farmers Glen and Eubank are growing organic vegetables, raising grass-fed beef and using chicken mobiles as part of their operations.

Finish With a Special Dinner on September 19 in Bethesda Prepared by Chef Tony Marciante
The series ends on Monday, September 19, with Savor Local Flavor – Dinner With Chef Tony, a four course dinner prepared by Chef Tony Marciante of Chef Tony’s of Bethesda.  Chef Tony, who specializes in seafood, will prepare a specific menu for participants based on local, sustainable ingredients depending on what’s ripe on the farm and what’s available in the market that day. As part of the evening, Chef Tony will talk about the joys and challenges of bringing local, sustainable dining to his customers.  Each of the events promises to be filled with great food and the chance to engage in stimulating, thoughtful discussion about our local food supply.  It’s also a chance to meet with others who share an interest in local and sustainable food.  Space is limited so early signup is suggested.

Local Food and Agriculture Key to Green and Sustainable Living
Why does any discussion about saving our planet often boil down to talking about local food and agriculture?  There’s a very easy answer. It’s integral to increasing sustainability, decreasing energy use, and – oh yeah – health.  Feldman said it best in Bethesda Green's July newsletter.  “When Bethesda Green launched, initial interest was primarily around energy and recycling.  Over time though, we heard repeated requests to work on food-related issues.  Why such a hotbed topic and what does food and agriculture have to do with green and sustainability?  In a nutshell, everything about food has an environmental impact.  Our food travels great distances (1500 miles on average); farmland provides open spaces and opportunities for economic development; pesticides and fertilizer affect both soil and crops; organic food is touted as a healthier option; the agriculture industry is a large consumer of water and much more.”

Dave, well said!  Thank you to our readers for taking a look at this excellent series.  Sign up for one or all three of the events, and we’ll see you there!