GardenWorks, COD team for Harvest Against Hunger

On Saturday, Oct. 1, The GardenWorks Project will host its signature fundraising event in person for the first time since 2019.

"Harvest Against Hunger" will be 5 to 8 p.m. at the Waterleaf Restaurant at College of DuPage.

"After learning how to host 'Harvest Against Hunger' in virtual and hybrid environments, we are so excited to be back in person," said Jeannie Iseman, executive director. "We are so grateful to College of DuPage for welcoming us back and working with us to create yet another incredible experience for our community."

This year's "Harvest Against Hunger" will highlight the great work and innovation of the local food system and celebrate our community's contributions.

Attendees will enjoy locally sourced food and drinks, cooking demonstrations, tours, live music, and a farm sample bag as a parting gift.

During the event, The GardenWorks Project will also premiere a new impact video that highlights the organization's programs and how they bring people together to build a more sustainable and equitable food system.

"Our work improves access to fresh produce for households that are not always able to afford it," Iseman said.

"Through it, we also see the transformative power of food growing. We hope to celebrate our participants through stories of impact, and show our attendees the many ways that GardenWorks makes a difference."

COD's Culinary and Hospitality Team will design a creatively curated "farm-to-table" spread featuring local produce inspired by favorite recipes of GardenWorks participants.

The menu will include small plates, herbal cocktails/mocktails, and local craft brews from Two Hound Red Brewing and Standard Meadery.

The event will also provide guests an opportunity to tour the kitchens and rooftop gardens at Waterleaf and watch live demonstrations of recipes highlighted at the event.

Tickets are $100, and all proceeds will support The GardenWorks Project's programs and services.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sponsor the event, search for "2022 Harvest Against Hunger" on Eventbrite.com.

The GardenWorks Project is a Chicago-area hunger relief nonprofit established in 2012. GardenWorks seeks to promote organic suburban agriculture to improve the well-being of the community, the environment and those facing food insecurity.

The nonprofit empowers, educates and supports all food growers in their efforts to nourish their families and fight hunger across the suburbs of Chicago.

This spring, the nonprofit started its first Batavia community garden. The GardenWorks Project partnered with gardeners at Mercy Housing's Batavia Apartments in setting up garden beds to grow produce for the residents and the local food pantry.

Visit gardenworksproject.org. Follow at twitter.com/gardenworksproj or www.instagram.com/gardenworksproject/.