As the harvest season continues in Michigan, more food-centered events are taking place this weekend, and in the coming weeks. Slow Food’s $5 Challenge takes place tomorrow, September 17, across the US. Individuals who sign up agree to cook a meal that cost $5 per person or less. This meal can be one prepared for the family, a hosted dinner with participants cooking together, or a potluck. The ingredients must fit the mission of Slow Food, which is defined as those that are “good for those that eat it, good for farmers and workers, and good for the planet.” The purpose is to make people aware that a fresh, healthy meal can be prepared that costs as much or less than the typical “value meal” at a fast-food restaurant. Slow Food USA president Josh Viertel was inspired to issue the challenge after participating in a question-and-answer session after a State of the Union address with President Obama. In response to his question, “Why is it cheaper to feed our children Froot Loops than actual fruit, and what would the president do to change that?”, President Obama talked about Walmart’s new initiative to emphasize healthy food. Not satisfied with the President’s answer of letting a big corporation dictate our food choices, Viertel decided, “If that’s the only answer our leadership is going to give us, we’re going to have to do it ourselves.” Those that are not able to cook on Saturday can still sign up for the Challenge, and agree to do it on a late date.
The 4th Annual Earthworks Harvest Dinner takes place on Saturday the 17th from 5pm to 8pm, to celebrate the year’s work and harvest. Earthworks Urban Farm is a part of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, a human service organization run by Capuchin monks. The farm has been a Detroit institution since 1997, and is tended by the monks and volunteers, many of which are children. The dinner will feature locally grown and harvested foods, and Julia Putnam, co-founder of the Boggs Educational Center, will be the featured guest speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Rosa Parks violinist and violas alongside local hip-hop artist Invincible. The young participants of the Earthworks Youth Farm Stand will also be presenting their Food Stories Project. Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $15 and up, and can be obtained by calling (313) 579-2100 x 204 or registering online here. The dinner will be held at Gleaners Food Bank at 2131 Beaufait, Detroit, MI 48207.
On October 14th, Detroit’s Eastern Market will be hosting a Michigan Apple Gala and Auction. The event is a celebration of Michigan’s apple harvest, and a benefit for Eastern Market. It will take place in Shed 3 from 6p-10pm, and feature a strolling supper from local restaurants, local beers and wines from a cash bar, a live auction featuring 20 life-size apples designed by area artists, a cooking face-off between two local chefs competing to become the Next Urban Chef, and other entertainment. Tickets are $40 for Friends of Eastern Market members, and $50 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online, or by phone at (313) 833-9300 Ext. 100. Free secured parking will be available.
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