Aquidneck Community Table will host its inaugural Seed to Soul party on Oct. 26 at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown.
The 21+ event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at 915 Mitchell’s Lane and brings together local farmers, chefs and neighbors to celebrate local food, culture and community. Guests will enjoy tastings from local eateries, live music, a select open bar and yard games.
Several community leaders will be honored for their efforts to make local food accessible on Aquidneck Island. Award recipients include Pauline Perkins-Moye of Newport Housing Authority for food equity advocacy; Aaron Sherman, an educator, for local food and gardening programming at Pell Elementary School in Newport; Chris and Nicole Becker, proprietors of Stoneacre Garden and other eateries, for promoting access to local foods; and 11th Hour Racing for its commitment to strengthening Aquidneck Island’s resilience.
The event will feature a giving garden, an alternative to a traditional silent auction. Participants can “pick” items from the garden by making donations to ACT at set levels.
“Food is more than nourishment. It is community, culture, and opportunity,” said Rose Jones, executive director of ACT. “Seed to Soul is our way of coming together to celebrate what food makes possible, while also honoring those who promote healthier people, places, and economies on the Island.”
Proceeds support ACT’s work to assist farmers through land access and training, expand school and community gardens, host farmers markets and advocate for food system policies in Rhode Island.
Seed to Soul is sponsored by 11th Hour Racing, Centreville Bank, Discover Newport, Behan Brothers, Advanced Remarketing Services, Terry Sullivan and Nicole Verdi.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at seedtosoulri.org.
Aquidneck Community Table works to ensure access to fresh, local food through school and community gardens, farmers markets and advocacy. For more information, visit aquidneckcommunitytable.org.