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Transitioning at the end of the growing season after the first frost can be a rewarding and bittersweet moment for farmers and land stewards alike! Creatures & plants know the telltale signs of the shorter days and colder months ahead; much like we do when predicting the weather forecast or seeing the leaves turn brown after falling. These changes look very different depending on your climate, but for the land it marks a time of migration, taking stock, layering, and resting. For us humans, it becomes a time of reflection and inner workings. As we’ve accomplished our goals of outward service, we often feel a need to come back to ourselves to relish in our accomplishments and make sense of what challenged us this year.
As orchards shift to pruning, farms create season extension with low tunnels, and gardens wrap up their last harvest, we begin to think back on the impact our growth had on the land, in our communities, and within ourselves. For me, as an apprentice working closely with farmers & herbalists in WNC, I can recognize the tremendous growth that came from being in a closer relationship with plants this year. As a result, my ideas around “systems change” expanded to include food justice as a necessary movement toward liberation on land, and my feelings of powerlessness diminished significantly. I began to see a through line between access to garden education and resilience in communities of color. That expanse in my vision for abundance sparked a journey towards starting my own land stewarding project, and I decided about halfway into the apprenticeship that I wanted to be a farmer! The plethora of knowledge and stories shared with me throughout the program gave me hope in the power of collective resistance to the systems that bind us through community care. One of these experiences was with an organization with this exact intention. Located in rural areas with little access to affordable, healthy ingredients and produce, places like Dig In! Yancey County Community Garden provide fresh vegetables & fruit to community members in schools, markets, and by delivery to homebound elders. When we visited and worked closely with Pat Battle and his mentees, an all-women crew, at Dig In my first reaction driving there was the distance between houses and food stores/markets in the area. Community gardens are usually an urban effort to serve food-insecure folks affected by gentrification and homelessness but rural areas experience food apartheid in their own ways. Even when there were stores with access to food, most of them were gas stations, dollar stores, and overpriced chain grocery stores. Once we sat down with the crew, the farm manager and Pat explained that oftentimes school was the only time kids could eat and that many families (with access to transportation) drove over 30 miles to get their groceries. Dig In has worked to provide access to fresh produce for families in the area for 13 years, and the work I witnessed being done is incredible! They not only provide free produce to fight food insecurity but they also host future farmers and teach agriculture interns from WWC through multiple growing seasons in the garden. Passing on ecological knowledge and teaching land practices to younger generations is essential in sustaining ourselves now and in the future. Being included in this year's cohort gave me a new lens to see that my growth and work in food & farming will directly impact the resiliency of the broader food network in WNC. Every garden, farmer, and herbalist we encountered gave us a glimpse into how each piece of the food justice puzzle adds up to make the network that much stronger. I left feeling empowered that however I decided to make a difference in the food world, my contributions would add to existing community efforts, and I would never be alone in this work for food sovereignty. This is just one of the many reflections I’ve had since the end of my apprenticeship and the beginning of my work with FEAST; I see clearer now the connection between garden education, honorable land practices, and the potential for communities to thrive. Accessibility is everything when building sustainable food systems. For those of us with an affinity for warmer weather, it can be daunting when we start dusting off our coats and gloves this winter, but even the farmers must rest and refill their cups for next year's season. The circle of life continues even as the land lies dormant, and the nutrients and warmth of our outward and inner harvest serve to see us through even the coldest of winter nights. The work we do, the stories we share, and the memories we’ve made directly benefit the strength of our community, and much like the health of our soil, bounce back with renewed vitality in the Spring. Let us rest in gratefulness for the connections we’ve made and the growth we’ve witnessed this year, and remember that our inner gardens need tending too!
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FEAST style Panzanella Salad In Bountiful Cities FEAST cooking classes with kids we start with a framework of a recipe, then use what we have on hand and make substitutions. We try to teach them how to be creative when cooking with the ultimate goal of reducing food waste and eating delicious fresh food. A traditional Panzanella salad is made with torn bread, tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese and cannellini beans. Use this recipe as a framework and use some of the substitutions suggested below or make up your own! Ingredients 6-8 cups torn bread (older bread is ideal for this) 1 cup finely chopped cheese (parmesan is traditional but any kind of cheese works) 2-3 cups chopped tomatoes (substitute roasted peppers, roasted carrots, roasted eggplant, cucumbers or squash) 2 cups fresh spinach leaves ( substitute any leafy green) 1 cup fresh basil leaves (substitute ¼ cup oregano, thyme, cilantro, or chopped rosemary) 1 ½ cups cannellini beans (substitute any kind of bean or field pea) ¼ cup chopped olives, or onions (optional) Italian style salad dressing or pesto dressing to taste Pesto Salad Dressing ¼ cup prepared pesto ¼ cup cider vinegar ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. If making your own pesto dressing combine salad dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Drizzle about ½ cup dressing on salad and toss well. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Want more food waste solutions? Join WNC Food Waste Solutions and Register today for the Summit happening November 9th 8:30am-4:30pm at the AB Tech Conference Center. Registration is on a sliding scale, and everyone is welcome! Lunch and Snacks featuring delicious food made by local chefs (using produce and food that might otherwise have been wasted!) will be provided as part of registration. The four presentation focus areas include Public Policy's Role in Solutions; Food Waste and Climate Change; Food Access and Equity; and Business and Funding Opportunities. Click here to learn more about the event.
 Thursday November 2nd 5-8pm
Join Mosaic Realty and Bountiful Cities for an evening of delicious local food, beverages and a silent auction fundraiser at Haiku event space in Biltmore Village. This event is FREE to attend and we invite you to bring an item from our WISH LIST as a contribution. All proceeds from the event will Benefit Bountiful Cities Programs. RSVP to attend!  Fermentation Class and Tasting benefitting Bountiful Cities!Thursday September 14th 5:30-7:30 at the Pearson Garden Join Meg Chamberlin founder of Fermenti for a demonstration and hands on class designed to introduce you to the basic principles of fermentation for the home, hobby farmer/gardener, and foodie alike! Participants will be provided with a kit and supplies to start a basic vegetable ferment that will be completed at home. Meg will cover everything from salt curing fruits, honey ferments, basic fermentation principals, and creative recipe ideas, plus problem-solving techniques, and planning your garden with intention to ferment will all be discussed. The two basic types of vegetable fermentation, self-brining like sauerkraut and kimchi as well as, brined vegetables like pickles will be covered. You will walk away with a jar and knowledge to keep the process going. You will also have ferment recipe ideas, culinary applications of fermented foods, and a secure understanding of how fermentation will cut your food waste, reduce food budget, and increase your nutritional value. We will provide light snacks including ferments to taste. Space is limited - register today! For more info about Fermenti visit their website: https://fermenti.biz/ Free Edible Plant Walk September 22nd 4:30-6pm
Marc Williams will lead our next FREE Community Garden Network Workshop. He will help participants identify wild and cultivated edible (and non edible!) plants throughout the park. Refreshments will be provided. Register for Edible Plant Walk This workshop presented in collaboration with the City of Asheville  From the SHILOH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 5253 ASHEVILLE, NC 28813 Dear Asheville Business Owner, We are reaching out to invite you to become a sponsor of your local neighborhood non-profit, the Shiloh Community Association (SCA). The SCA supports the oldest historic African American community in Asheville with roots stemming from Biltmore Estate. The Shiloh neighborhood comprises 240-acres and is located in South Asheville. The SCA owns and maintains two properties: the Shiloh Community Garden and Shiloh Legacy Art Trail located at 59 Hampton Street and The East Garden Development located at 358 Caribou Road and 57 Booker Street. We are seeking financial support from local businesses to sponsor our Annual Historic Shiloh Community Celebration Events which will take place Thursday, September 7th through Monday, September 11th, 2023. These events will raise funds to support the construction of the Shiloh Community Resource Center (SCRC). The SCRC will house administrative offices, offer educational, economic, and health programming. It will operate as a satellite campus for our local academic partners. The Resource Center is part of the Shiloh Community's 2025 Plan adopted by the Asheville City Council on September 14th, 2010. In appreciation for your sponsorship, your company will receive recognition in the SCA’s Historic Day brochure along with several other sponsorship benefits. Your support of the Shiloh Community Association will fund the construction of The Shiloh Resource Center and our ongoing programming. The Shiloh Community Association is a 501c3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible. Please contact Norma Baynes at 828-277-9654 or Lauralee Petritz at 828-215-5998 for more information. http://www.shilohnc.org/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/shiloh-community-association-resource-center https://www.instagram.com/shilohcommunitygarden/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/ShilohCommunityAssociation/ Thank you, Sophie Dixon Sophie Dixon, President Shiloh Community Association Norma S. Baynes Norma S. Baynes, Liaison Shiloh Community Association “Building on the Legacy, Embracing the Future” MISSION STATEMENT The Shiloh Community Association mission is to cultivate and promote: ● Cooperative relationships among residents, property owners and businesses in the community ● Harmonious growth and development of the community health, educational, and residential programs for children of the community ● Quality housing development in the community ● Good citizenship among and by the residents of the community The Shiloh Community Association celebrates SHILOH HISTORY through the following motto: Home Ownership Inheritance Service ‘Togetherness’ Opportunity Respect Youth Involvement P.O. Box 5253, Asheville, NC 28803 ∙ Shiloh Garden address 59 Hampton St. Asheville, NC 28803 T: 828.277.9654 / 828.215.5998 Website: www.shilohnc.org The SCA is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization ANNUAL HISTORIC SHILOH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION SPONSORSHIP LEVELS SYCAMORE POPLAR PARTNER $10,000 or more The Sycamore tree symbolizes strength, protection, eternity, and divinity. Shiloh Sycamore towers over 75' tall and is a testament to the ancestors who came before. They are witnessing their beloved Shiloh thrive as we build on the Legacy and Embrace the Future! ● Lead sponsor recognition on WRES (100.7 FM) radio station ● Lead sponsor recognition at Shiloh Legacy Gala including company logo on screen, program and recognition in opening remarks. ● Eight (8) Shiloh Legacy Gala tickets ($400 dollar value) ● Additional Shiloh Legacy Gala tickets purchased at a 25% discount ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● SCA event promotional materials throughout 2023 and 2024 ● 1 Legacy Memorial Brick ($100 value) ● SCA Coffee Mug ● SCA Canvas Bag TULIP POPLAR SPONSOR $5,000 -$9999 The Tulip Poplar symbolizes liberty and democracy and has been used for its aromatherapy and medicine. Tulip poplars are also associated with hope and the promise of revival. The vision of Shiloh has always been to serve and uplift the entire community. ● Sponsor recognition on WRES (100.7 FM) radio station ● Sponsor recognition at the Shiloh Legacy Gala including company logo on screen, program and recognition in opening remarks. ● Six (6) Shiloh Legacy Gala tickets ($300 value) ● Additional Shiloh Legacy Gala Tickets purchased at a 10% discount ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook page, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association event promotional materials throughout 2023 and 2024 ● 1 Legacy Memorial Brick ($100 value) ● SCA Coffee Mug ● SCA Canvas Bag PEAR TREE $2,500-$4999 The Shiloh Pear symbolizes divine sustenance, abundance and longevity and was planted 23 years ago by the 4th president of the SCA, Moses Simmel. His granddaughter, Shaniqua Simeul carries his shares his mission and vision of community building through her leadership. ● Sponsor recognition on WRES (100.7 FM) radio station ● Sponsor recognition at the Shiloh Legacy Gala including company logo on screen, program and recognition in opening remarks. ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook page, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● Four (4) Shiloh Legacy Gala tickets ($200 value) ● Additional Shiloh Legacy Gala Tickets purchased at 5% off tickets ● Legacy Memorial Brick ($100 value) ● SCA Coffee Mug ● SCA Canvas Bag CHINESE MAPLE SPONSOR $1,000-$2499 The Chinese Maple tree is not native to Shiloh just like the owner of the land where it is rooted, it is a transplant. It is small but distinctive where it has been planted. With this level,we honor our transplant neighbors who take pride in and support the legacy of Shiloh. ● Sponsor recognition on WRES (100.7 FM) radio station ● Sponsor recognition at the Shiloh Legacy Gala including company logo on screen, program and recognition in opening remarks. ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook page, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● Two (2) Shiloh Legacy Gala tickets ($100 value) ● SCA Coffee Mug SCOTCH PINE $500-$999 Pine trees are a popular choice to combat erosion control because they are incredibly hardy and can survive and thrive in most any soil condition So too have the Shiloh residents thrived despite the challenges of “Root Shock” to their community. ● Sponsor recognition on WRES (100.7 FM) radio station ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook page, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● Sponsorship acknowledgement at SCA Gala ● SCA Coffee Mug BLUEBERRY BUSH SPONSOR $250-$499 The original Shiloh Blueberry bushes which stand nearly 11' tall by the pavilion They were planted by the founders of the SCA. Blue berry's symbolize a sign of success achieving goals and completing tasks. Blueberries are also a powerful spiritual symbol, and their deep blue hue is believed to bring about a sense of calm and peace. When people visit the garden they often comment on how peaceful the garden is. ● Sponsorship acknowledgement at SCA AWARDS Gala ● Sponsor logo on Shiloh Community Association website, Facebook page, promotional materials, and other social media platforms ● SCA Coffee Mug P.O. Box 5253, Asheville, NC 28803 ∙ Shiloh Garden address 59 Hampton St. Asheville, NC 28803 T: 828.277.9654 / 828.215.5998 Website: www.shilohnc.org The SCA is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization CHECK ONE: □ SYCOMORE POPLAR Sponsorship Partner ($10,000 or more) □ TULIP POPLAR Sponsorship Partner ($5,000 -$9999) □ PEAR TREE Sponsorship Partner ($2,500-$4999) □ CHINESE MAPLE Sponsorship Partner ($1,000-$2499) □ WHITE PINE Sponsorship Partner ($500-$999) □ BLUEBERRY BUSH Sponsorship Partner ($250.00-$499) CONTACT INFORMATION: Company Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________________________________ State: _______________________________________________ Zip: _________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________________________________________ Website:________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name:__________________________________________________________________ Contact Phone:__________________________________________________________________ Contact Email: __________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________ Date:________________ Please make checks payable to Shiloh Community Association Mail to P.O. Box 5253 Asheville, NC 28813-5253 Alternatively scan the QR code provided to make your sponsorship payment. P.O. Box 5253, Asheville, NC 28803 ∙ Shiloh Garden address 59 Hampton St. Asheville, NC 28803 T: 828.277.9654 / 828.215.5998 Website: www.shilohnc.org The SCA is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization  ABFPC and Bountiful Cities relaunch updated Asheville Edibles Map with the City of Asheville Local nonprofit Bountiful Cities and Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council partnered with the City of Asheville to release an updated interactive map showing public edible plants around Asheville. Asheville, N.C., July 28, 2023: Asheville is known for its vibrant food culture and commitment to sustainability. However, alongside a community of passionate foodies, there are individuals experiencing food insecurity. The Asheville Edibles Map aims to bridge this gap by highlighting the abundance of edible plants available for foraging, sharing, and cultivating by locals and visitors. The map also seeks to serve as an educational tool to inspire more edible plantings on private and public property. Bountiful Cities, a local nonprofit dedicated to food security and urban agriculture, is partnering with the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council and the City of Asheville to relaunch this virtual, interactive map with enhanced features. In 2018, Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council and Asheville City Sustainability staff initiated an edibles inventory project, collaborating with UNCA students, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Real Estate departments, and community groups familiar with edible plants in parks and public spaces. This project resulted in a comprehensive database of edible locations throughout the city. The relaunch of the Asheville Edibles Map introduces several exciting updates. Previously relying on crowd-sourced information, the map now benefits from the expertise and oversight of Bountiful Cities. The partnership ensures that the information provided on the map is accurate and reliable, offering a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. The Asheville Edibles Map encourages community engagement, inviting locals to contribute their own knowledge of edible projects, plantings, and gardens. By collectively sharing information, the map becomes a dynamic platform that fosters collaboration and promotes a sustainable food ecosystem. To explore the Asheville Edibles Map, visit this website. If you would like to contribute new sites or information to the map please fill out this form. Join us in discovering the diverse edible landscape of Asheville and take part in nurturing a thriving and inclusive city environment. ABFPC Mission and Vision Our mission is to identify, propose and advocate for policies, financial appropriations, and innovative solutions to improve and protect our local food system in order to advance economic development, social justice, environmental sustainability, and community resiliency. Our vision is that all residents of Buncombe County have access to and the option to cultivate and prepare nutritious food within a resilient and sovereign foodshed that sustainably harvests and conserves farmland, forests, and water resources, sustains our population, collaborates with neighboring counties, and ensures a thriving agriculture-related economy. Bountiful Cities Mission and Vision Our mission is to be a collaborative urban agriculture resource. We create community partnerships to establish dialogue and trust, support community needs, and share agricultural skills. Our vision is to help create and support abundant, food-sovereign communities. We are committed to holistic sustainability through integrated food systems, food security and production, and job creation. Since our beginning, we have been engaging communities, teaching urban agricultural skills, and advocating for healthy food systems that are accessible to all. We believe education is a lifelong process that involves exchanging knowledge and experience. Growing from this understanding, we are committed to supporting shared exchange by role modeling and facilitating events, programming, and experiential education. Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park 25th Anniversary
 Thanks to everyone who participated in the Urban Garden Tour and Tasting! The gardens were full of tasty things and we celebrated food production happening in our city! We appreciate the chefs, sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters who made it all happen. These photos were taken by our wonderful volunteer photographers Carrie Turner, Ashlen Smith, and Allison Ward. See more photos on our FB Page or Instagram.
Did you participate in the Urban Garden Tour with Bountiful Cities July 9th? What did you think? Did you learn anything? Do you have feedback for us? Even if you just purchased raffle tickets, we want your feedback! Please take one or two minutes to fill out our short survey about the garden tour! The drawing for our Garden Tour Raffle will happen Monday July 17th. So there is still time to win annual passes to the Biltmore Estate, a tour with Mountain Mural Tours and Urban Orchard Cider Co. and food from Curate, Pizza Mind, and Camille Cogswell to name a few! There are so many great tours in our town - we don't want our garden tour to be the only one you go on this summer! You can choose from several different baskets and enter to win other prizes too. This Fermentation Class and Tasting with Meg from Fermenti in September will take your garden tour to the next level!  We have two amazing workshops with two amazing instructors in June! Climate Resilient Gardening is with Chris Smith from Utopian Seed Project on Thursday June 8th 2-3:30 at the West Asheville Park. Natural Pest Remedies is with Patryk Battle on Thursday June 15th 4:30-6pm at the Dr.George Washington Carver Edible Park. Please click below to find out more and register for these free workshops. These workshops are presented in collaboration with Asheville Parks and Recreation and The City of Asheville. Climate Resilient Gardening Natural Pest Remedies Urban Garden Tour and Tasting Have you wondered how much food grows IN Asheville? Find out when you Tour and taste at 10 food producing Gardens on the Urban Garden Tour and Tasting with Bountiful Cities. You can register for the tour and go to the gardens for FREE and Tasting tickets are $40. Sample food and beverages from Curate, The Hop, Every Day Gourmet, West End Bakery, Tastee Diner, Chai Pani, Forestry Camp Burial Beer Co. Sugar and Snow Gelato, Sunny Point Café, Asheville Tea Co, Devil’s Foot Beverages, Shanti Elixirs, Pizza Mind and Urban Orchard Cider.
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