Fans of 4Roots Farm are aware of this agriculturally forward nonprofit in Orlando’s Packing District, with a sustainable focus and high-tech hydroponics that grow beautiful produce on its expansive farm campus, addressing issues including food insecurity. But founder John Rivers of City Beautiful barbecue fame had even more in mind: education.
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It is in this spirit that 4Roots Farm’s monthly Harvest to Table events bring the spoils of its “living classroom” from the farm to the table. These hands-on dinners have different focal points, from styles of eating to the people we eat with (hat tip to June’s Father’s Day programming).
“Since we began offering our culinary events, guests have expressed interest in sharing a cooking experience with their families to rebuild the connections that cooking together provides,” Alesia New, director of health and nutrition education for 4Roots Farm, told the Orlando Sentinel.
“The earlier children are exposed to healthy eating, the greater chance they have of continuing to eat healthy as they get older,” New said. “The Culinary Health Institute has also worked closely with the education programs offered at 4Roots Farm and has seen the difference nutrition education and exposure to different foods have changed their perspective.”
As such, from 6-8 p.m. July 15, Harvest to Table: Family Night – Gather, Cook, and Enjoy will see the team behind 4Roots Farm’s Culinary Health Institute extending the education to the next generation as guests and their children are invited to prepare a delicious, three-course meal alongside chef Hari Pulapaka, senior culinary director.
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“The event is open to children 18 years old and under as long as they are accompanied and supervised by an adult,” New explains.
“Families are guided by Chef Hari in a hands-on preparation of the salad and entrée, including chopping, mixing, cooking, and plating. A separate table with coloring sheets and crayons will be available for those who need more creative inspiration.”
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Using farm-fresh ingredients, guests will cook with seasonal produce harvested on-site, along with other delicious ingredients from 4Roots’ partner farms. And as the meal comes together, expert health insights from Dr. Anupama Saigal will create a space where practical nutrition and meaningful family time intersect to support lifelong health and well-being.
Weather permitting, families are invited to “wander in wonder” throughout the farm campus prior to the event, New says.
“The mission of 4Roots is to unearth the power of food to build healthy communities,” New says. “The Harvest to Table Family Night event creates an opportunity for families to connect food and health by learning how to source and prepare nutritious, delicious, and affordable meals.”
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More info
Tickets for the event are $100 (includes admission for one parent/guardian and one child; $50 for each additional family member). Visit: 4rootsfarm.org/event/harvest-to-table-2. Location: 4Roots Farm Campus, 1101 N. John Young Parkway in Orlando.
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