The FoodShed Project
The FoodShed Project (FSP) is an education and outreach program of SCCFM which highlights the significant work being rolled out by SCCFM farmers, food artisans and community partners in the nearest regions of our foodshed.
What is a Food Shed?
A foodshed is a geographic region that supplies a population center with food. The term is often used to describe the movement of food from producer to consumer (Hedden,1929) considering all points along the way including labor, processing, transport, waste and so on.
Our Events
Using the public space of SCCFM farmers’ markets, the FSP orchestrates a free event each month in which tastings, talks, music, cooking demonstrations, and family-focused activities spotlight seasonal food items, the vendors growing them, the cooks using them and the cultural and historical role they have played in this region. Our goal is to promote relationship building among farmers, restaurants, grocers, individuals and organizations through the frame of ecological farming and food justice.
The monthly events of the Foodshed Project are hosted at the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market the second Wednesday of each month between May and October. The majority of presenters at these events are the farmers and vendors who, through their stories and activities, illuminate the history of specific foods and agricultural practices while putting delicious tastings of pesto and sauerkraut in the hands of customers.
The FSP is also partnering with food-focused organizations, offering a venue for local leaders, young and old, to educate the community about food justice issues and inspire us to make the most informed consumer decisions possible within the global foodshed we are a part of.
For more information about the 2013 Foodshed Project Event Series, please contact Nicki Zahm with questions or if you would like to volunteer, education@santacruzfarmersmarket.org or (831) 325-4294.
The FoodShed Project Event Calendar 2013
UNDER THE SEA, May 8th 3–5pm
Come join local mavens Hans and Heidi of H & H Fresh Fish and Bill the OYSTER GUY. Learn the fishy facts about our local seafood industry and enjoy marine morsels of the finest kind.
LIFE IS LIKE A BOWL OF CHERRIES, Jun 12th 3–5pm
Raise your hand if you love cherries! COMPANION BAKESHOP and LONE OAK RANCH team up to teach you ten things to do with cherries.
FLOWER POWER, Jul 10th 3–5pm
PENNY ICE CREAMERY gets creative with the bountiful flowers of THOMAS FARM. Learn about flower-flavored ice cream and flower art from this unexpected Duo.
BASIL BONANZA, Aug 14th, 3-5pm
Jeff Larkey, owner of legendary ROUTE 1 FARMS joins rouge chef Kevin Kobel of LOCAL FATT. These two will knock your socks off doing what’s never been done before with six varieties of basil.
SOME LIKE IT HOT, Sep 11th 3–5pm
Do-it-Yourself pepper pandemonium. Fran Grayson of the TRUCK STOP cooks up a mouthful of sensory delights while Heather and James from GROUNDSWELL FARM give you priceless pepper growing tips.
LAVISH CABBAGE, Oct 9th 3–5pm
FARMHOUSE CULTURE owner Kathryn Lucas works in cahoots with Ronald Donkervoort of WINDMILL FARM to make cabbage magic. Learn fermentation basics and walk away with the inside scoop on heirlooms and all they have to offer.
Youth leaders from local food justice organization FOODWHAT head up fun, educational activities for all ages — 3 to 103 — at the FOODSHED PROJECT events.
