First Friday with BDVP: Jessica

This past Friday, BDVP was invited to present a little bit about our project at the University of Kentucky's First Friday event.  For those of you who have not been to this monthly gathering of farm and food lovers, it's a treat. A seasonal, gourmet breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30 am, while folks gather and socialize.  At 8:30, there is generally a presentation on some sort of agricultural or community food related topic that lasts for 30-40 minutes.  A discussion follows and the whole event is wrapped up by 9:30.  This monthly gathering is a great way to start your first Friday morning of the month and is an excellent networking opportunity.
It is absolutely free, though donations for food are accepted and the food is amazing!

This month Chef Bob Perry prepared local eggs with Kenny's Asiago cheese, topped with an Italian salsa verde...all made with fresh herbs.  Incredible!  As if that wasn't enough, he also served fresh , organic strawberries from the UK high tunnel project.  These were topped with a lavender-honey whipped cream...SO GOOD!

 Our assistant director, Diane Fleet, began the presentation, giving an outline of the original vision for our farm project at the shelter and how things have evolved to where they are today....really still the beginning phases.

Our farm-to-table master, Christina Lane, followed Diane and gave a brief summary of the phases of our programming and how they correspond with our farm programming.

I followed my co-workers with a little bit about what we are growing and what we are working towards as a program.  I talked a bit about our stipend program and the Make It/Take It program that have been funded by Grow Appalachia. I also discussed our clients' involvement in the farm project and what we have learned from them about this work.

We also really wanted to let the audience know how thankful we are for all of the community support we have received on this project and mentioned the University of Ky., our local arborists, the Division of Forestry, SeedLeaf (a partner organization), Faith Feeds, the many volunteers and others who have helped us begin to make this dream a reality. I spoke to the Grow Appalachia project and gave a summary of the awesome work going on in this region!  All in all I feel like the event went really well and it felt great to be able to share some of the work we are doing with the community.