The Green Heart Project, a local non-profit that has established a network of school gardens and urban farms across Charleston, invites the community to its 13th Annual Harvest Dinner. The dinner takes place on Thursday, May 18th, from 5 pm to 8 pm, at the park and gardens across from Mitchell Elementary, at 2 Perry Street.
The Harvest Dinner is a springtime celebration of seasonal food, hands-on education, and community building. It brings together the community to enjoy a meal alongside the organization’s first Green Heart Project garden. This year, guests can look forward to the BBQ provided by Jamie Westendorff and garden-fresh sides from Basic Kitchen, Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals, Peculiar Pig Farm, and CCSD culinary talent including Inez Washington, Sarah Richardson, and Jason Wheless and Elizabeth Brinson who lead West Ashley and Burke High Schools' culinary programs.
Entertainment includes bubble therapy, honey tastings, an inflatable slide, live music from EK & The Crew, and student art displays lining the urban farm. Guests can also look forward to student speeches and awards and a pop-up farmer's market featuring Green Heart grown produce, merch, and more.
“The annual Harvest Dinner gives the community time to fellowship by meeting new people and seeing old friends,” said Mitchell staff member and former Green Heart parent & Board member, Morneek Bellinger-Hollifield. “The Green Heart staff gives Mitchell the sense of being a part of our village by introducing our students to various learning opportunities, by teaching and working with our students and staff with hands-on training. We are so appreciative of Green Heart choosing Mitchell Elementary School to be in a great partnership!”
Green Heart also takes this opportunity to recognize all who have contributed to their Farm to School Programs throughout the school year.
“Green Heart continues to provide the best tools to connect education, nutrition, team values, and respect,” said longtime Harvest Dinner supporter, Andrea Limehouse. “We're thrilled to have Limehouse Produce providing fresh fruits and veggies for the dinner, and supporting our Farm to School efforts throughout the year.
Tickets to the event are $20 (adults), $10 (students), free (children under 12), and can be purchased in advance. All proceeds benefit The Green Heart Project’s Farm to School programs. The ticket link and more information can be found on Green Heart's website at www.greenheartsc.org. They are also looking for a few more volunteers – folks can register to volunteer with here.