Rural Vermont’s 29th Annual Celebration: Potluck, Storytelling, Annual Meeting, and More!

Rural Vermont’s 29th Annual Celebration: Potluck, Storytelling, Annual Meeting, and More!

Rural Vermont invites everyone who cares about the food they eat and the people raising it to their 29th Annual Celebration. It’s on Thursday, May 15th from 6-9pm at the American Legion Hall, located at 637 Route 103 South in Chester. Real food will be the common theme of the evening – we’ll be eating it, talking about it, celebrating the people behind it, and putting forth a call to action in support of reclaiming our food freedom!

Rural Vermont's 29th Annual Celebration will kick off with a good old-fashioned potluck supper, cash bar, and social hour. Following the brief annual meeting, farmers take the stage and tell their “real food” stories! Ben Hewitt of Fat of the Land Farm in Cabot, Lisa McCrory of Earthwise Farm & Forest in Bethel, and Ben Crockett of Wild Carrot Farm in Brattleboro will share personal and compelling stories that demonstrate their connection to and passion for the land, the way they raise food, and the people in their communities. The stories will provide the context and inspiration for a conversation about the regulatory barriers and cultural misbeliefs that are preventing or impeding true food freedom. Solutions will be discussed and everyone will be invited to take part in Rural Vermont’s work to regain the fundamental right to feed ourselves and each other the food that supports our values and communities.

Several farmers will be recognized for their dedication and tenacity in working towards increased opportunities for farmers and food access for consumers. Among them are Chester local Lisa Kaiman of Jersey Girls Dairy and Jersey Girls Farm Market & Café. Lisa will be honored with the “Golden Spoon” award for being the most likely to stir things up! Lisa has been a fervent advocate for food freedom in her community and beyond, and it’s time to celebrate her fiery spirit!

This free event is open to all – bring friends! Donations will be heartily encouraged and will support Rural Vermont's ongoing work to restore food freedom and return the “culture” to agriculture.

To RSVP, go online to www.ruralvermont.org or call the Rural Vermont office (802) 223-7222. There will be a drawing every Thursday, including the day of the event, for a 20 quart bag of compost from Vermont Compost Company. The earlier you register, the more chances you have to win!

Rural Vermont is a statewide nonprofit group founded in 1985. For over 25 years, Rural Vermont has been advancing its mission of economic justice for Vermont farmers through advocacy, grassroots organizing, and education. For more info or to be added to the mailing list, call (802) 223-7222, visit www.ruralvermont.org, or find them on Facebook.