Community

Find Out How to Eat Local at the Swaner EcoCenter's Meet the Producers Event

Farmers, ranchers, and food producers come together to share their knowledge (plus give out some delicious samples) with the community.

By Michaela Wagner March 27, 2017

Screen shot 2017 03 27 at 10.55.18 am iovttm — Copper Moose Farms is just one of more than twenty local farmers, ranchers, and food producers coming together with the community for the annual "Meet the Producers" to showcase the benefits of buying and eating local. This year's event is March 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the Swaner EcoCenter.

Image: Swaner EcoCenter

When we think about food in the spring and summer, images of fresh fruits and vegetables whipped into colorful dishes are immediately conjured up for many of us. In Park City, we're fortunate to have access to fresh, local produce at multiple weekly farmer's markets and farm stands from June to October--some of us have even figured out to grow our own produce in this challenging high-altitude locale. We may not be all the way there yet, but the growing season is quickly approaching and local farmers, ranchers, and a variety of other food producers are already gearing up for the summer months ahead. You can meet them face-to-face at the 6th annual Meet the Producers event, happening Thursday, March 30th from 5-7 p.m. at the Swaner EcoCenter (1258 Center Dr.).

One of Swaner EcoCenter's partners for this year's event is EATS Park City, a local non-profit focusing on educating Park City School District students about proper nutrition, growing food, and the environmental impacts of food production. In a world where processed and packaged foods are ubiquitous and serious illnesses can often be traced back to food choices, understanding where and how are food is grown is more important than ever. "Meet the Producers gives us the opportunity to share with our community the education and programs we provide to Park City children," says Ann Bloomquist, Executive Director of EATS Park City. "Eating locally also helps the local economy by supporting local business, money stays in our community to strengthen and build us. This event is a great way to introduce people to what's available here so they can be part of the local movement." Representatives from EATS Park City will be on hand at the event serving samples from their new school food menu, dubbed 15 TO CLEAN, which aims to serve only nutritious, appealing food prepared from scratch using the maximum available fresh and local ingredients.

Screen shot 2017 03 27 at 11.23.45 am ec0glo — No Meet the Producers event is complete without a gorgeous spread of food crafted from the finest local ingredients.

Image: Swaner EcoCenter

In addition to EATS Park City, staff from Recycle Utah will be on hand at Meet the Producers to discuss their operations. And then of course dozens of farmers, growers, and food artisans from the Park City and beyond (see the list below) will be in the house to share samples of everything from locally produced cheeses and meats to chocolate and honey. This event is a great way to learn about where food comes from and sustainable practices we can use to benefit our community. You'll also have the chance to sign-up for CSA an find out where to purchase the producers' products. Additional appetizers will be provided by Savoury Kitchen, Park City. Meet the Producers is free and open to the public and community members are highly encouraged to drop by to connect the the hands that feed Summit County. Come and see what bounty the growing season has in store and get excited for summer!