Summer’s bounty is being plucked from local gardens and farms just as the second annual Divas in Denim Long Table Dinner gets underway.
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, approximately 200 guests will dine outdoors on locally-produced food at a secret location. They’ll taste the best that local farms, wineries and breweries have to offer all cooked up by local chefs.
Tabitha McLaughlin, manager of the Coquitlam Farmers Market, says the long table dinner will raise funds for the Power of Produce Club (POP), in which five to 12 year olds learn how to choose, pay for and cook locally-raised vegetables and fruit.
“It’s really about empowering kids to make their own food choices,” McLaughlin explained.
By participating in POP during the farmers market on Sundays, children are learning their food doesn’t come from a store, a freezer or a box.
Approximately 175 children have signed up for POP and approximately 20% show up at the market every week for a fun activity.
“They get to go meet the farmer who grows their favourite fruit or vegetable and have a little conversation,” said McLaughlin.
As well, they get to taste the produce and learn how to cook it properly. There’s even a financial literacy component where children are given a $3 token to buy something and have to work together to make the most of their purchase.
McLaughlin said more people are supporting local farmers and appreciating locally-grown food and children who come to appreciate the food they eat will more likely support agriculture in B.C.
But funds are needed to keep the POP program going.
The long table dinner is being hosted by prominent local women, also known as The Divas, made up of Selina Robinson (Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA), Diana Dilworth, (Port Moody councillor) and Polly Krier, the event organizer.
And the location is secret to add a little spice to the event, McLaughlin said.
One of the surprising outcomes of last year’s dinner was how much people enjoyed sitting down with strangers and talking about food. McLaughlin said she expects the same vibe to take place at this year’s event — with the added excitement of not knowing where it will be until the last minute.
She suggests participants should come prepared for the weather, but the dress is casual — a white shirt and jeans.
To purchase a $75 ticket, visit makebakegrow.com.
