MADISON — The Churches’ Center for Land and People has recently received grant funding from the Wisconsin Farmer’s Union to sponsor indoor Winter Farmers Markets and Meals.
At an indoor Winter Farmers Markets and Meals program a chef prepares a meal with locally-grown food and, assisted by community members, serves the meal to the public to raise money for a cause.
The Churches’ Center for Land and People (CCLP) have staff who assist each step of the way: scheduling an event, inviting farm vendors, as well as scheduling a chef or local restaurateur to prepare a meal. The chef, using local growers’ produce, will help plan the desired menu and ask for assistance preparing the meal.
With the help of church members, along with community members (youth groups, Scouts, 4-H, FFA, VICA, DECA, etc.) the host church/organization can be creative while serving a brunch, lunch, breakfast, or dinner. Talapia and perch are raised in Wisconsin so even a fish fry would be possible.
Proceeds for the suggested donations for the meal are used first to pay for meal ingredients. Money left over is split 50/50 with CCLP and (at the host’s discretion) to contribute to another cause — such as a food pantry, mission trip, youth group — or to be donated in full to CCLP to help cover project costs.
Winter Markets and Meals are a “win, win, win” proposition. Community members, farmers, and hosts all benefit. Plus, it just might be fun!
Local Harvest, based in the Chicago area, has information about “real food” and the people who make it possible on their Web site (www.localharvest.org).
For more information, or to schedule a Markets and Meals program, call Tony Ends at 608-897-4288 or Ruth Ellickson at 608-241-4070.