What is important to the People's Food Co-op is access to food, especially healthy food and eating. So a day dedicated to education, participation and celebration of local food makes sense. That's why they've been doing it for seven years.
The 2015 Grow-It-Yourself-Day returns to the People's Food Co-op from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
The day includes live music, free workshops, plant starts for sale, and a chance to get your hands dirty in the garden next to the Food Co-op, 507 Harrison St.
The event is the kick-off to the market season--the Banks Street Market opens every Saturday beginning May 2 and the 100 Mile Market that takes place on the Food Co-op property starting May 6, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This year more community partners are participating in the day, says Chris Moore, of People's Food Co-op.
Community Homeworks and Read and Write Kalamazoo both are providing activities during the day. And Kalamazoo Wild Ones, the Michigan State Extension office and Trybal Revival will be back this year. Crepes by the Lakes will be creating food throughout the day.
Celebration goers will be able to purchase plant starters such as herbs and vegetables, including kale and greens. Organic and heirloom seeds, as well as locally grown organic plant starts will be sold.
As a part of Owner Appreciation Days, Co-op Owners will get 10 percent off their plant purchases.
There will be live music provided from 10 a.m till noon by Pnuckhead. Read and Write Kalamazoo offers a children's writing activity from 11 a.m till 1 p.m. that culminates with a poetry reading by the participants.
Community Homeworks will provide information on container gardening in a workshop called "Garden Anywhere." Participants who register in advance will be able to create a garden they can take home with them that day. Trybal Revival and MSU extension also will help with the workshop, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
There is no charge to participate in Grow-It-Yourself Day.
Source: Chris Moore, People's Food Co-op
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