ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The local organization known as The Food Initiative (TFI) will be having a “Fine Fettle” farm-to-fork sampling and silent auction at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Customs House Museum.
The event will raise funds needed to create more summer program opportunities for local students. Each summer, TFI hires 40 local high school students, teaching participants to grow organic foods using sustainable methods. The harvest is sold at the Clarksville Downtown Market, and given to Manna Café Ministries, The Salvation Army and Loaves & Fishes.
Since the program’s inception in 2008, student applications have grown significantly. In 2014, more than 90 Montgomery County and Fort Campbell students applied for the 40 summer program positions.
“In total, more than 160 students have participated in The Food Initiative’s summer youth program,” said TFI Program Director Regina Hampton. “Our students learn a great deal – about sustainable farming, organic practices and servant leadership – while working on the farm. The students also have the opportunity to learn about diversity, hunger, homelessness, money management and more. They carry that knowledge into the local community.”
During the fundraiser, groups of 16 will progress through a series of stations, sampling menus designed by local chefs using organic produce from The Food Initiative garden and meats from nearby farms. The evening will culminate with a selection of desserts and a silent auction featuring an array of goods, services and exclusive experiences.
Click here to reserve tickets, or contact Fine Fettle Chairperson Margaret Wallace Lyle at 931-217-1597. The last day to purchase tickets for the event will be September 1.
To learn more about The Food Initiative, visit the website.