“For the past 70-plus years, industrialization has worked hard to strip nutrients, flavor, and wholesomeness from our food. People are disconnected from how their food is grown, processed, and consumed. Our food system is broken,” says Daniel Riesenberger, owner of Dan the Baker. “Our nation is plagued by obesity, diabetes, learning disabilities, and degenerative illnesses, all of which are rooted in people’s nutrition, or lack thereof. I truly believe that food holds the main power to transform so many things in the world.”
Dan the Baker, along with 53 members of Local Matters and Next Level Trainings, are working on solutions to the many food problems in Central Ohio. This Sunday, March 18, a food event and silent auction will be held at the Whetstone Park of Roses to benefit Local Matters. For the entry level ticket price of $30, fundraisers can sample foods from Ray Ray’s, Fox in the Snow, Yellow Brick Pizza, Pistacia Vera, Little Eater, Katalina’s, Challah, Ambrose & Eve, and Hai Poke.
“I am excited to be using my abilities and connections to support such a great organization, and I strongly encourage you to consider donating money to the such a truly meaningful organization,” says Riesenberger. “You have the power to make a major impact in the community!”
Local Matters is a Columbus-based non-profit organization. It was founded in 2008 after it was announced that this generation of children would live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.
“The founders envisioned a community where everyone has the skills and resources to eat well, feed their families, and manage their health,” noted Sarah Miller, development and communication associate for Local Matters. Local Matters’ mission is not only to educate about growing and preparing food and the overall value of good nutrition, but also to address food inequality in Central Ohio.
“A society cannot have equality if almost 13 percent of its households suffer from food insecurity. … This is happening every day, right here in Columbus,” notes Riesenberger.
Local Matters aids ‘food deserts’ such as the southside of Columbus with multiple community gardens and community cooking classes taught on a sliding scale.
“Each program offers a unique opportunity to the community to learn so much about food preparation, wholesome eating habits, and offers to transform the way the community eats and appreciates food!” Riesenberger says.
The fundraising event for Local Matters has been organized by the 14th leadership class of Next Level Trainings. It takes place on Sunday, March 18, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Whetstone Park of Roses stone shelter house. $30 gifts a basic adult entry for sampling of the many foodie donations and participating in the silent auction. $180 nets a swag bag full of discounts and items from the various food vendors participating. You can sponsor a table for 10 people for $2,000. Children’s tickets are $15.
Tickets are available here.