Cities big and small now invite travelers to a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants that offer delicious local dishes and events for the community. The locavore movement, which began in the city centers of Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, has spread throughout the state of Peach and beyond. Community events are a great way to promote positive change and bring people together. From small towns with chili dinners to large national parades, there are ideas for community events of all sizes.
Most farm-to-table restaurants are active on social media, so be sure to follow their feeds for updated offers. The Table to Farm dinner series of Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley is a momentary experience and a joyful celebration of human connection. Collaborating with the local Convention Center Visitor's Office (CVB) can help promote major events and encourage travelers to make stops while they're passing through. This type of tourism is known as agritourism.
Farms can offer educational and recreational experiences that expose community members to agriculture, as well as housing. Food safety regulations continue to change, so farmers should access resources for methods to keep products safe and approaches to help processors maintain a safe environment and work with a food safety inspector. Producers who want to sell their vegetables to a school may have better luck if they sell them pre-cut and packaged, which requires processing methods and equipment. Whether you're an experienced event organizer or just want to lend a hand, this publication has something for everyone.
Scottie Jones, a farmer from Oregon, used a SARE grant to create FarmStay, an interactive website that connects people looking for accommodation with farms that offer accommodation. Experienced farmers, as well as beginners, often need access to capital and funding if they plan to expand their agricultural business or purchase new equipment in search of new opportunities. Here are some of the best locally sourced restaurants in the state, organized by region, to help you begin your farm-to-table culinary journey. In addition, farm-to-school programs are part of local food systems and aim to help children make healthier food purchasing decisions as they grow.
Many consumers are more willing to support local farmers when they see a social benefit for their community. Adding a theme, changing locations, or including prizes can add excitement to ideas for food-focused community events.
