With the help of several young organizers, Slow Food Martha’s Vineyard is celebrating Terra Madre Day (Italian for Mother Earth), December 10, along with hundreds of other communities worldwide.
Terra Madre, organized by Slow Food, is a network of food communities committed to producing quality food in a sustainable and responsible way. Every two years since 2004, the organization hosts a worldwide conference held in Torino, Italy, bringing participants together for workshops and presentations.
This year, Islanders Chris Fischer, Greta Caruso, Kaila Binney, Ned Allen-Posin, and Emily Palmer attended, and Mr. Fischer and Ms. Binney have been instrumental in organizing Terra Madre Day on the Island.
Terra Madre Day started last year, and saw more than 1,000 events in 150 countries. This year, with the global focus on the 1,000 Gardens in Africa initiative — aiming to create 1,000 vegetable gardens in schools, villages, and on the outskirts of African cities — Slow Food M.V. is hosting two events. Willy Mason and Goodnight Louise will perform during a Potluck Fundraiser from 6 to 10 pm at the Chilmark Community Center. In the spirit of Slow Food, bring a dish to share. Admission is a $10 to $15 suggested donation; $5 for members.
Also on Friday is a Terra Madre Day Dinner at Menemsha Café. Café owner Josh Aronie, and Chris Fischer, private chef and grower, are cooking a four-course meal, with proceeds going to the 1,000 Gardens initiative and the Island Food Pantry.
Though the menu was being fleshed out as of press time, there will be Heritage breed pork raised by Mr. Fischer, vegetables from Morning Glory Farm, and seafood from Menemsha Pond.
The two seatings are at 6 and 7:30 pm, and dinner costs $50, which includes a ticket to the Community Center event.
For reservations, call the café at 508-645-9902. For more information on either of the events, visit slowfood.com.
