Celebrating the Art of Food: Gala in the Garden Showcases Local Food Entrepreneurs

The Gala in the Garden, a fundraiser for The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability, was more than just a chance to raise funds for a worthy cause. It was an opportunity to highlight the success of local food entrepreneurs who are providing nourishment and culinary delights to the community.

Empowering Local Food Businesses, Nourishing the Community

Showcasing the Diversity of Local Food Offerings

The Gala in the Garden featured an impressive array of local food vendors, each offering a unique culinary experience. From sushi and fry bread to gourmet breads, ice cream, and even a specially brewed beer, the event highlighted the breadth of talent and creativity within Silver City's food scene.One of the standout vendors was Mac Loveland, the owner of Tin Cat Breads. Loveland, who had previously volunteered with The Commons during the COVID-19 pandemic, was eager to give back to the organization that had made such a significant impact in the community. His offering, a polenta and rosemary focaccia bread topped with roasted plums, basil, honey, and mascarpone, showcased his commitment to using local ingredients and capturing the flavors of the season.Another vendor, Jennifer Rivera of Sweet Eats, offered a diverse menu that went beyond just desserts. For the gala, she prepared both California rolls and vegan sushi rolls, catering to the growing demand for more plant-based and gluten-free options in the area. Rivera's participation was not just about showcasing her business, but also about introducing new flavors and cuisines to the community.

Fostering Community Connections and Resilience

The Gala in the Garden was more than just a food festival; it was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the local food community. As Iris Nolasco, the Executive Director of The Commons, explained, the event's theme of "The Art of Food" was chosen to highlight the success stories of these local food entrepreneurs."The Commons does food insecurity for families in need, but also our mission is to focus on resilience, so I kind of wanted to move this toward the resiliency part," Nolasco said. "It demonstrates what can happen when somebody starts small and works their way up."The event's success was evident in the sold-out tickets and the long lines of attendees eager to sample the diverse offerings. For first-time attendees like Gay Hedges and Cindy Livingston, the gala was an eye-opening experience, introducing them to a vibrant and thriving local food scene that they were previously unaware of.

Strengthening the Community's Food Security and Sustainability

The Gala in the Garden was not just a celebration of local food entrepreneurs; it was also a testament to the important work being done by The Commons to address food insecurity and promote sustainability in the region.Through its five monthly food distributions around Grant County, The Commons provides more than 700 food boxes, reaching an estimated 2,800 people or more. The organization has also recently completed a new pantry on its grounds, allowing people to choose their own foods and fostering a more dignified and empowering experience for those in need.Looking ahead, The Commons is in discussions with the village of Santa Clara to lease or purchase space for another choose-your-own pantry, with the goal of expanding its reach and impact in the Mining District."With our new choose-your-own pantry, we've seen the numbers decrease from our [monthly distribution] lines. I think that's actually really positive because that means that people are coming in and choosing items for themselves," Nolasco said. "We hope that there's more of a move toward that. I think we're always going to have the folks who want to do the drive-thru kind of mobile pantry, and that works for some, but for some this is a better option."The Gala in the Garden was a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives like The Commons, which are not only addressing immediate food needs but also fostering long-term resilience and sustainability within the local food system.