ATHOL – The Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club hosted its third annual Taste of North Quabbin fundraiser, bringing together local food vendors and community members for an evening focused on addressing food insecurity in the region.
The event was held on Feb. 24 at the American Legion and featured food samples from 13 local establishments. Kelly Knower, a member of the Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club, said three of the participating vendors were new to the event this year.
Knower said proceeds from the fundraiser support five different organizations that address food insecurity in the North Quabbin area. Her favorite part of the event, she said, is “just how it brings communities and businesses together.”
The Taste of North Quabbin event held by the Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club on Feb. 24 to raise funds for food insecurity. HANNAH MORIN / For the Athol Daily News 
Hannaford of Athol’s vendor booth featuring a Taste of Inspirations meat and cheese platter. HANNAH MORIN / For the Athol Daily News 
Guests checking out some of the raffle baskets at the Taste of North Quabbin fundraiser, held on Feb. 24 by the Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club. HANNAH MORIN / For the Athol Daily News 
[From left] Matt Demarco and Kelcie Hillard of Diemand Farm, which served pulled turkey brisket at the event. HANNAH MORIN / For the Athol Daily News 
The team from The Valley View Farm, which served barbecue sliders. HANNAH MORIN / For the Athol Daily News
Among the vendors was Valley View Farm of Templeton, which served barbecue brisket sliders. Owner Matt LeClerc said it was the farm’s first time participating in the event.
“We were asked to do it, and we haven’t really promoted west of Templeton,” Leclerc said.
The 110 Grill of Athol also took part, serving apricot shrimp risotto. Restaurant manager James Shaffer said his favorite part of the event goes beyond the food.
“It’s all about the community outreach, people taking part in the community,” Shaffer said. “And seeing new faces, and some old faces.”
Other vendors included Los Agaves Grill of Athol, which served chips and salsa and has participated in all three Taste of North Quabbin events, along with Asia Gourmet of Athol; Quabbin Harvest of Orange; Red Apple Farm of Phillipston, which offered cider donuts; Hannaford of Athol, which provided a meat and cheese platter; and Revival Wheeler Mansion, which served mocktails.
Diemand Farm of Wendell also took part, serving barbecue pulled turkey. Employee Kelcie Hillard said it was the farm’s first year attending the event and noted that the business is a third-generation family farm celebrating its 90th year.
Dozens of raffle items and baskets were available, including restaurant and local business gift cards, Red Sox tickets, a YMCA membership, a basket filled with scratch tickets, and themed baskets such as an “Early Easter” basket and a “Maple Morning” basket with ingredients and a recipe.