Sustainable Warwick initiates farmer-to-table dinners

WARWICK — Last month Sustainable Warwick test launched farmer-to-table dinners and the results seem to indicate this could become a long tradition in Warwick.
“Our Farmer-to-Table dinners have multiple goals,” said Sustainable Warwick member Michael Helme. “We want to thank the farm families for their important contributions to a sustainable society, but we also want to better understand the concerns of Warwick farmers and how Sustainable Warwick might be able to help. It all comes down to gathering grateful people with hardworking farmers, who often do not get enough appreciation."
Three dinnersThree successful dinners were held in March. The first was for Will Brown and Barbara Felton of Lowland Farm and the second was for Barbara and Mark Taylor-Laino of Midsummer Farm.
The third dinner was held for Tunis and Sharon Sweetman of Sweetman’s Farm. While Sharon and their daughter Carrie joined the dinner, Tunis was unable to attend because of chores. And Sharon needed to be up at 4:30 a.m. to milk cows, so she and Carrie were the first ones to head home.
“In this time people are reconnecting to their food and its story," said Kelly Collins, host of the second dinner. "The farmer is part of that story. These dinners are about bringing awareness to the wonderful area in which we live and ensuring its roots continue through our connection to the land and our growers.
Demonstrate who and what is valuableOne insight that came from the dinner," Collins added, "was how as a community we demonstrate our value of our local farmers and the local produce they create.”
“Warwick has incredible agricultural resources,” added Sustainable Warwick member Geoff Howard. “Between the orchards and the grass-fed meat, the Black Dirt and the thousands of acres of preserved farmlands, agriculture and Warwick will be together for a long time.
"And Sustainable Warwick wants to do what it can to promote that partnership," Howard added. "We look forward to continuing the Farmer-to-Table dinners next fall."
EssentialsSustainable Warwick is a volunteer organization dedicated to sustainable living. For more information, visit www.sustainablewarwick.org or email SustainableWarwick5@gmail.com.