UPDATE: The Good Farm Fund’s benefit is today.
MENDOCINO Co., 5/25/2017 — The Good Farm Fund is having a farm to table benefit at Yokayo Ranch in mid-June. The fund goes towards doubling food stamp match programs at local farmers markets, and giving grants to small farmers in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Here’s a press release, with details:
May 25, 2017 – Ukiah, CA: Enjoy gourmet food from over 20 of the best chefs in Lake and Mendocino Counties at the Third Annual Farm to Table Benefit Dinner on Tuesday June 13, from 6-9 pm at Yokayo Ranch. During this open-air celebration guests will enjoy live music and seasonal small plates. This unique event pairs farmers with chefs, and together they present inspired dishes designed to excite the pallet while showcasing exceptional, locally grown produce. Local beer and wine plus specialty Summer Solstice inspired cocktails courtesy of American Craft Whisky Distillery, are included.
Set against the backdrop of Yokayo Ranch, a 40-acre hillside ranch built in the 1920’s, guests will be delighted by the natural beauty of this spectacular country setting. The evening’s program will also include a farm tour of Yokayo Roots Farm, a keynote speaker, farmer success stories, and a live auction.
Farmers, restaurant owners, and chefs, are already preparing menu combinations for this year’s guests. Julia Kendrick Conway, chef and proprietor of Assaggiare Mendocino adds, “Last year’s event was delightful, truly one-of-a-kind. It’s rewarding to be involved in an event that celebrates delicious, fresh, locally grown food. We’re excited to team up with another farm this year to create a new, seasonally inspired dish.”
Designed to bring together the entire food system is one experience; all event proceeds support the Good Farm Fund’s Farm Grant Program, which funds food stamp doubling at farmer’s markets and works to support and grow small, local food farms by funding capacity-building projects like greenhouses, farmstands, equipment, and fencing. Applications are reviewed by the Good Farm Fund Board and any farmer residing in Lake or Mendocino County may apply.
In 2016, the Farm Grant Program awarded $20,000 to 14 local food farms. Anderson Valley Community Farm, one of the largest grant recipients, was awarded $3300 to build a farmstand to use as a CSA pickup location with products such as jams, pickles, olives and soap. Grant funds were also used to gravel the driveway, making it more accessible to the public.
The Good Farm Fund is supported by local sponsors. Foundation sponsors support the grant program and include Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Frey Vineyards, and Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op. The 2017 event sponsors are Cold Creek Compost, KZYZ, Mendo Lake Food Hub, Mendocino Winegrowers, North Coast Brewing Company, North Coast Opportunities, Parducci, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Surf Market, and Thompson Party Rentals. While each sponsor is vital to the Good Farm Fund, sponsors like the Mendo Lake Food hub specifically work to strengthen the restaurant-farmer relationship by providing an efficient, local produce ordering and distribution system all year long.
Tickets for the Third Annual Summer Solstice Farm to Table Benefit Dinner are on sale now. Pre-registration is $100 per person or $125 at the event. Purchase online at www.goodfarmfund.org, or at the following Ukiah establishments: JD Redhouse & Co, Mendocino Book Co, Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op and Westside Renaissance Market. For a complete list of farmers and chefs, or to learn more about the Good Farm Fund Grant program, please visit www.goodfarmfund.org