Client News
Capital Outlook: Tallahassee’s Frenchtown iGrow Food and Arts Festival
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Residents of the Big Bend celebrated good food, cultural expression and good music at the community’s first-ever “Frenchtown iGrow Food and Arts Festival” on Saturday.
In conjunction with the festival was the dedication of the iGrow Whatever You Like Youth Farm Expansion, where they will expand the farm by one acre.
“Today I celebrate the next best thing in Tallahassee,” said Liz Wright, a resident in Tallahassee. “ I love the fact that the city of Tallahassee has decided to make the farm bigger. But I am also here to commemorate the goodness of great music and healthy living.”
With the funding and support from GRO 1000 and Mayor John Marks, the community will now have better opportunities to enjoy freshly-grown produce
and other amenities.
“Located in the heart of Tallahasee’s historic Frenchtown district, the iGrow Whatever You Like Youth Farm represents the culmination of our community’s efforts to enhance access to healthy foods, education, and overall wellness for our city’s youths,” Marks said. “This project will serve as a model of what can be done when government and business work together with citizens to create something truly extraordinary.”
The expansion of the current 2,500-square-foot farm will bring a new outdoor kitchen, a bio-digester for sustainable produce cooking and a market stand. Funds will also be used to build an educational pavilion, which will host community gatherings and workshops, and create a giving garden that will grow produce for area residents in need.
“We are proud to partner with the City of Tallahassee to reach a wider, deserving audience in Tallahassee’s Frenchtown District,” said Chris Allen, President, South Region, ScottsMiracle-Gro. “The expansion of the youth farm will help children and families learn more about healthy eating, nutrition and gardening.”
The festival provided more than 50 area youth, who worked with local volunteers and representatives of local organizations, to teach residents gardening and greening techniques. Hundreds of individuals even had the chance to participate in a variety of cooking workshops and face paintings. Some were lucky to win awards and prizes, while many were able to take home fresh produce.
“I loved everything about the festival today,” said Jennifer Hugh. “From the dedication of the garden to the African dancing that happened earlier. I even learned different techniques that I can use when I’m cooking.”