farm to kitchen

[shroomgirl]

Several years ago you started a non-profit in Chicago that had farm to kitchen connections, would you talk about that please?

[Rick Bayless]

HI Shroomgirl,

We will be having our 4rh Annual Frontera Farmer Foundation event Sunday, June 11 of this year. Over the past 3 years we have been able to give out just about 100,000 to our local farmers for capital improvement grants for their farms. It really has been a wonderful experience. Please try to come this year. We clear out the restaurant and turn it into a farmer's market. Each table has produce, meats, etc. to buy, and each table has one of our chefs and that farmer--along with some fabulous dish that you can try. It is a walk-around event with music, a special margarita and all of the money goes to the Foundation. At night, we serve a "Dinner Like No Other"--never before seen dishes perfectly matched with wine. We introduce our farmers and it really is one of the most special days--for all of us. (Our entire staff donates their time)

[shroomgirl]

Thanks! sounds like a road trip....

What were some of the winning grants? How did it improve the rural-urban connection?
I read the write-up on your site and love that it's a decent amount of money (Mo Dept of Ag was giving out $1500 for Grants.....3 year, really sad). The fact that the farms have to sell to the Chicago market is powerful too.

[Rick Bayless]

Some of the grants went to building hoop houses to have a longer growing season. One farmer wanted to build a shipping dock for his turkey farm and says that is has helped his farm tremendously. They range from sprinknler systems to new tractors. It all depends on what their needs are.

[momoreg]

That does sound like a road trip indeed. It sounds like great fun, and undeniably an important cause.

[shroomgirl]

Besides the June 11th event how are you raising grant money?

[Rick Bayless]

That is our major fundraiser. Besides that I do some appearances during the year and the money will go towards the foundation. We also rely on our customer base, they do donate throughout the year as well.

[shroomgirl]

Have you applied for SARE grant money or USDA fundage? Seems like a natural fit. Just takes time and energy to write and keep up with the paperwork....ugh.