Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer
Shalom Farms’ fifth annual Harvest Festival celebrated another year of work toward its mission to provide healthy, local produce to Richmond families.
The festival was hosted on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at its Northside Farm. The Harvest Festival was free to attend and included music, dinner, bonfires and children’s activities.
Shalom Farms is an organization dedicated to combating systemic challenges of food insecurity and access for Black and brown communities, which have been historically denied in Richmond, according to its website.
Volunteers greeted visitors by directing them through the parking lot, leading to the festivities. A smorgasbord was laid out in the pavilion, including fresh fruit, homemade hummus and chips, rosemary popcorn and a selection of warm autumn soups made by Chef Jason Muckle.
Live music, performed by blues and folk duo Andrew Alli and Josh Small, put guests in an autumnal mood.
Several bonfires were spread throughout the area with ample seating and ingredients for guests to roast s’mores. Volunteers passed out cider to wash dessert down.
Alistar Harris, executive director of Shalom Farms, said he was excited to further engage with the community and enjoy the fall season at the festival. He said it is important for the community to experience what the farm does and learn about why their work is important.
Harris believes that it is vital to prioritize healthy food produced within Richmond that adheres to environmental practice standards and prioritizes nutrition and sustainability.
“I think there is a justice element to it that thinks about: Who are the families in which neighborhoods that don’t have adequate or equal access to fresh nutritious food and how do we reach those people?” Harris said. “So that they can, one, afford to purchase what we grow and two, that they can know that what they eat is good for their bodies. So, in a way, thinking about food as medicine.”
Shalom Farms is conscious of the increasing pressures that the over 10,000 community members they serve may face, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cuts, housing and transportation insecurity and education and healthcare difficulties, according to Harris.
Dave Grennagel, a volunteer at Shalom Farms, said the festival is a chance for attendees to see the farm’s beautiful operation.
Grennagel said the community unites like-minded individuals who share a passion for making healthy food accessible for everyone.
More information about Shalom Farms can be found at shalomfarms.org.