Imagine a dinner in the Spallumcheen valley amidst fields of grain featuring scrumptious cuisine, captivating conversation and breathtaking views.
On June 16, 14 guests sat down for dinner in the Aartista lands, the farm adjacent to Fieldstone Organics in Armstrong. The guests had recently attended local fundraising events and were the successful bidders in a silent auction for which Fieldstone had donated items. That earned them a basket of products as well as a meal for two, where they enjoyed a sit-down dinner with Fieldstone’s owners as well as local growers of whole grains, legumes and seeds.
“This idea was born out of a desire to support local charities with a donation of a more experiential nature,” said Barb Munro, with Fieldstone Organics, whose motto is Whole Grains from Field to Fork. “In 2015 we donated a luncheon for six in the field to one charity. To expand this idea and reach more local charities we decided to offer a meal for two and bring everyone together at one table for a five-course dining experience.
“The meal featured asparagus from the neighbouring field, pasture-raised lamb, whole grain and lentil salads followed by Einkorn crepes for dessert.”
The charities supported for this event were JCI’s Vernon Jubilee Hospital fundraiser, Kindale’s Spring Fiesta, Len Wood Middle School’s fundraiser, Huntington Society of Canada – Okanagan Chapter, the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the SKY U-17 Volleyball team.
“We hope this field-to-fork experience will become an annual event that marries local food from local fields with adventurous foodies supporting worthwhile charities,” said Munro.