Fine Local Cuisine Supports Gardening Program

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By KBJR News 1

Story Published: Oct 12, 2008 at 8:16 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 12, 2008 at 8:16 PM CST

How does some grilled chicken with a side of acorn squash, rosemary hash, and tomatilla salsa sound?

It sounded plenty good for dozens of supporters of Duluth Community Garden Program... an organization that's been around for over three decades.

Today's "Fine Local Cuisine Fundraiser" was an elegant benefit brunch made possible by all locally grown and processed foods.

In the past two years, household demand for gardening in Duluth has gone up nearly 50- percent.

But, as the demand is rising, the funding is dropping.

Carrie Slater Duffy, Executive Director of the Duluth Community Gardening Program says as food prices rise and people are more interested in food security, " the demand for our services is growing quite a bit. Unfortunately, this is happening also as our own funding is becoming more and more precarious and some of our long time funders aren't as able to donate as much."

The organization currently supports 195 garden plots throughout Duluth.

Along with increased awareness for locally grown food, the Garden Program was hoping to raise around 5- thousand dollars.