September 18, 2024 -
The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival will return Thursday, Sept. 26, 5–8 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown. This free, family-friendly event will bring together farmers, food artisans, chefs, local organizations and, of course, hungry guests and foodies, to celebrate the beauty and bounty of Michigan food and farming. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the diverse flavors of locally produced foods, hear from food producers, connect to resources and learn about opportunities to participate in the local food system.
The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival features a variety of vendors and exhibitors, plus fun games and activities for all ages! Chef Allison Anastasio, owner and executive chef of the Newton of Ypsilanti, will host a live seasonal cooking demonstration at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., while a variety of food trucks, carts and pop-ups serve locally sourced meals and treats against a backdrop of live music from the Community High Jazz Band. Attendees are encouraged to bring a gently used cookbook to exchange at the cookbook swap table; taste heirloom fruits and vegetables at the produce tasting; buzz over to the beekeeping demonstration; and try their hand at the compost toss game for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. Over 30 nonprofit, governmental and commercial exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions about local efforts to advance sustainability, equity and resilience in the local food system.
The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival is hosted in collaboration by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Argus Farm Stop. Kathy Sample, owner of Argus Farm Stop, shares her enthusiasm for the event, “Promoting, developing and supporting a strong local food economy is an important part of our community. This event is a key reflection of Ann Arbor's enthusiasm for local food, sustainability and all aspects of a healthy food community!" Stefanie Stauffer, Ann Arbor Farmers Market manager, adds, “As our community source of local produce, farm products and other food for over 105 years, Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a microcosm of our vibrant food system. We look forward to celebrating our Michigan farmers, producers and eaters at the third annual local food festival!" Missy Stults, City of Ann Arbor director of sustainability and innovations, comments, “This event is an opportunity for our community to celebrate the joy and deliciousness of local, climate-friendly eating. We hope community members will join us to experience the many ways local food contributes to a more sustainable future in Ann Arbor."
To learn more about the Ann Arbor Local Food Festival, visit www.a2gov.org/localfoodfest or email Azella Markgraf, sustainability coordinator, at [email protected]. To learn more about the city's carbon neutrality plan, which supports local food system work and dozens of other programs to advance the city's goal of achieving a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, visit www.a2zero.org.
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