ORANGE — Mark your calendar, because the Greater Quabbin Food Alliance invites the public to gather, network and participate in local food initiatives on June 8.
The gathering — scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orange Innovation Center at 131 West Main St. in Orange — will start with “Lightning Talks,” five-minute presentations by local farmers, businesses and organizations describing their work and how to get involved.
Speakers will include The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Franklin County Community Development Corporation, the Garden Program at the Franklin County Jail, Quabbin Harvest, City Compost, Walker Farm at Whortleberry Hill, Mass in Motion and the Cooperative Fund of New England.
The event is free and open to the public. Organizers said it’s a great way to get involved in the community and get support for a local project.
Founded in 2013, the Food Alliance is a network of people from Worcester and Franklin counties working to increase human and ecological health, food access and economic vitality, and also sustain local farmers and food businesses.
Following the presentation, attendees can “dig in” to topics in small groups and work together on projects. Attendees are encouraged to bring information and resources to share about their organization or upcoming events. The Petersham Country Store will provide refreshments and a locally-sourced lunch, with a $10 suggested donation.
Laura Sylvester, from The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, will present on the state’s Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), because of the positive impacts in bringing fresh local produce to food assistance recipients and to the program’s uncertain future.
“HIP is one of the most successful pieces of food access legislation in Massachusetts, and it really shows that people on food assistance want to eat healthy food,” said Sylvester. “This program has provided $3 million of fresh, locally grown produce to the community, and has bolstered the local economy by supporting local farms.”
The Food Alliance will also pilot its “Local Makers Market” at the event. Attendees can bring their local, nonperishable, handmade food and farm products such as honey, dried herbs, soap, maple syrup products, wool products and candles to sell at the gathering. Contact AmeriCorps member Kat Kowalski (kowalski@mountgrace.org) with any questions about the market.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is the fiscal sponsor and coordinator of the Greater Quabbin Food Alliance. Visit mountgrace.org to learn more about the trust’s work to support local farms and businesses across the region.
For more information or to RSVP, visit: quabbinfoodalliance.wordpress.com; email farmconservationamericorps@mountgrace.org; or call 978-248-2055, ext. 29.