Collinsville EDC recently announced a Harvest Exchange local food supply initiative with weekly breakfast meetings every Friday at 7 a.m. at the downtown Donut Shop. Everyone is invited to these sessions, functioning as ongoing thought-starters to advance the program, scheduled to debut as early spring growing-season begins.
Based on EDC Chair Joseph Cartwright’s lifelong passion for collaborations among local agriculture producers and consumers, the Harvest Exchange is forming a network of residents interested in participating at any level.
“Every week we’ve gotten new ideas,” Cartwright said. “We’re putting together a spreadsheet of locals who do everything from rural farms and backyard gardens to canning and pickling and even sharpening tools.”
Cartwright imagines a near future in Collinsville where food producers partner with residents and local restaurants to provide a reliable chain of fresh meats and produce, “and we’ll know that it comes from our neighbors.”
Cartwright’s op-ed style essay, challenging residents to “imagine” results of a local thriving agricultural ecosystem, can be found on the Collinsville EDC Facebook page.
Saturday “Seed Swap” planned for early November
A larger meeting is planned to announce Harvest Exchange developments, including plans for an informational website, and a “Seed Swap” will be available on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Collinsville Community Center. Light refreshments will also be served.
To “opt in” to Harvest Exchange news, send an email to [email protected]
