PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley Institute for Resilience and their food and farm program, Local Food Alliance, are creating local harvest baskets to share the bounty of the season and celebrate the story of our community food system.
The baskets are filled with the diversity of local products from our regional farmers and food businesses.
For the past two years, the organization has invited the community to local farms and ranches through the Elevated Table dinners. These on-farm dinners, featuring local products, were a place to gather, experience what our region has to offer, and learn about the importance of a thriving local food system.
This year, since the community is not able to gather, the organization will be making a locally sourced and produced meal available to enjoy at home.
And those taking part will be invited to join in watching the documentary “Kiss the Ground” on Netflix.
The recently released film ties in closely with the work of Sun Valley Institute’s Food & Farm Program by speaking to the importance of soil, agricultural practices and systems. Staff members Lexie Praggastis and Amy Mattias will hold a virtual discussion to talk about the themes of the movie on Monday, Nov. 2.
“Food is an important community touchpoint. In this time where we are not able to come together physically, the local harvest baskets are a way we can celebrate the wonderful foods produced in our region, continue to raise awareness of food as a keystone for community resilience, and share a delicious meal,” says Executive Director, Lexie Praggastis.
The baskets feature squash soup and pear chutney prepared by Chef Esta Hornstein, fresh bread baked with Hillside Grain flour, Ballard Family cheese, locally made pumpkin bread, cookies, and ginger beer, and a bottle of Sawtooth Winery wine and can be purchased through the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience website at www.sunvalleyinstitute.org through Oct. 26.
Proceeds from the sale of these baskets goes to supporting Sun Valley Institute for Resilience’s community resilience work.