Edible and in-the-dirt gift experiences

by Kelly Sanderbeck, Communications & Development Director

This article was originally published in November 2010

What do you give your favorite foodie who doesn’t want more stuff but savors the tangible experience of local, organic food and the people behind it?

Introduce them to the farmers and chefs working with PCC Farmland Trust to save local, organic farmland forever!

Local Chefs for Local Farms

Local Chefs for Local Farms dinners are held quarterly at the Solstice and Equinox, and highlight an array of foods available during each season.

They seek to deepen the connection between consumers and the source of their food, featuring a four-course dinner with local wine pairing, and a Q&A panel with the chef and a local farmer about the benefits and challenges (social, economic and physical) of eating and growing local, organic food. The next dinner event is scheduled for December 13 at Lark with Chef Johnathan Sundstrom.

Gift certificates are $125 per person, are good for one year, and may be purchased by calling 206-547-9855 or emailing
farmlandtrust@pccfarmlandtrust.org

During the past year, dinners have been held at Tilth Restaurant with Chef Maria Hines, emmer&rye with Chef Seth Caswell, and Café Juanita with Chef Holly Smith. All proceeds from “Local Chefs for Local Farms” events are restricted to the Trust’s Future Farm Fund to purchase organic agricultural conservation easements.

Farm tour

A PCC Farmland Trust Farm Tour is another gift that’s truly “down-to-earth” and “gets to the root of it all.” Held twice a year, the tours feature farms preserved by the trust across the state of Washington — from Carnation and Walla Walla to Sequim. The day-long events include walking the land, stories from the farmers, a farm-fresh lunch, and guest speakers from the Organic Seed Alliance, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and WSU Extension. You might even pluck some fresh veggies from the ground to bring home!

The next tour is scheduled for May 14, 2011 at Nash’s Organic Produce in Sequim. Gift certificates are $50 per person, are good for one year, and may be purchased by calling 206-547-9855 or emailing
farmlandtrust@pccfarmlandtrust.org

Merchandise, and more!

Those watching their pennies can still support the cause by purchasing a trust water bottle ($18) or tote bag ($10), a Chinook Book or bottle of Powers Wine ($12), all available at PCC Natural Markets. Or, a simple donation in honor of your foodie friend couldn’t be easier and comes with a note card for you to personalize!

More at pccfarmlandtrust.org.

Also in this issue

The joy of vegetables

I’m a home gardener and nutrition educator, and for nearly four decades have pushed the pleasures and health pluses gained from everyday feasting on seasonal vegetables, fruits and nuts. Plant-based foods are special — literally alive with palate-pleasing textures, flavors and innumerable health-supporting nutrients. Includes special holiday recipes from PCC Cooks instructors and friends.

Feeling full without being stuffed

The holidays are a time to enjoy delicious meals with friends and family, and from Thanksgiving dinner to office Christmas parties, there are plenty of occasions to indulge. By eating sensible portions, it’s possible to enjoy all your seasonal favorites.

PCC’s first bagging contest

Anyone who ever has found something crushed at the bottom of their grocery bag knows the importance of thoughtful bagging. Bagging groceries carefully and quickly is so important to us at PCC that we’ve added a friendly competition to highlight its value.