About the Event

Delicious food prepared by some of Sacramento's top chefs, a sampling of local wines and beer, live music and lively conversation are all part of an annual community celebration at Soil Born Farms, a small urban farm tucked away in Sacramento's Arden Arcade neighborhood. For the past five years, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op has sponsored Soil Born Farms' Autumn Equinox Celebration, a time to enjoy local food and drink, reflect on the organization's progress and accomplishments, enjoy the company of neighbors and raise funds for the Farms' education and food access programs.

Soil Born Farms is dedicated to changing our Sacramento food system by increasing the availability of high quality, locally produced food for all segments of the Sacramento community. They do this by growing certified organic vegetables and fruits on two urban farms located within Sacramento County, supporting existing and new local farmers, developing and promoting innovative food access programs and educating youth and adults about healthy lifestyle choices.

In 2004, Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture Project evolved out of a small for-profit certified organic farm that began operating in Sacramento eight years ago. The project now totals over thirty acres and encompasses two urban farms, including 25 acres along the American River in Rancho Cordova. From these farms the organization focuses on improving personal and community health through innovative farm and school-based programs that reconnect both youth and adult consumers to where their food comes from, helps them access healthier foods, and educates them about food nutrition, cooking, personal health and the environment.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op first became involved with the farm when the two organic farmers Marco Franciosa and Shawn Harrison contacted Paul Cultrera, General Manager and Janet Zeller, the Co-op's Marketing Manager and asked how the two groups might work together to increase community investment in their efforts. The Co-op organized an open meeting at their Community Learning Center and over 50 people showed up.

"An ongoing objective at the Co-op is to connect people who grow food and where it is grown with the people that eat it," says Zeller. "Nothing beats getting people out to the farm. It was a natural partnership."

The Co-op has continued to support Soil Born Farms' efforts to grow its education and community service programs and expand its second site along the American River in Rancho Cordova. Co-op involvement includes collaboration in the non-profit's Del Paso Heights farmer's market, partnership in their youth cooking program as Jonas Salk High Tech Academy, sponsorship of the annual Day on the Farm, a free family-oriented event aimed at getting people out to visit the farm, building a partnership with gardening and herb classes on the farm sites, and launching Eileen's Kitchen, a monthly fundraiser at the Co-op's Community Learning Center.

When asked how community members can get involved with the farm, Zeller was quick to rattle off a list. "There's a place for everyone." Each farm location has a monthly work party where volunteers can help with planting, weeding, harvesting, or composting. A potluck dinner follows each work party.

There is the youth education program where volunteers work in partnership with middle and high school students in cooking and gardening activities that promote leadership and improve awareness of the connections between the food we grow and consume, our own personal health, and the health of the environment.

Volunteer work in the non-profit's food access programs can range from utilizing professional skills in marketing, community development, or graphic design to helping with market set-up/take-down, farms stand sales, youth activities, passing out flyers, tabling, and market assessments.

Interested in getting involved right away? Get a ticket to Soil Born Farms' Autumn Equinox Celebration to be held on Saturday, September 20. The event will feature seasonal and organic food prepared by Sacramento's finest restaurant chefs, wine tastings, and live music. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at the Co-op's Customer Service Desk or by calling (916)363-9685. This has been a sold out fundraising event for the past two years, so get your tickets early.

The Co-op is a premier sponsor of two other community events planned for fall, that offer more ways to get involved with the Farm and learn about their community education projects. On Sunday, October 12 Soil Born Farms will host a kick-off event at its River Ranch site in Rancho Cordova. The event will include a pumpkin patch, farm tours, and kids' activities.

The Veggie Chase 5K and Kids' Runs will take place on the same day, just outside the Farm, at Hagan Park. Proceeds from the run will benefit Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture and Education Project. The run's focus is on getting youth excited about exercising. It will include a Diaper Dash, Toddler Trot, and Kids' Veggie Mile, where the kids will chase runners in veggie costumes.