Community.

Had a nice gathering of people tonight at the library.  We met to discuss the book and movie, “Food, Inc.”  Part of our mission is to support local, focus on our community.  It’s inspiring to meet people who have found important and meaningful ways to do just that. And our community benefits, too.

Tonight we talked about some people who are doing some amazing things right here in Bismarck/Mandan.  Jay Basquiat, who has had a CSA (“Baskets of Plenty“) for a few years now, and a couple who has moved here and is starting a CSA (“Riverbound Farm“).  Community Supported Agriculture is a way for community members to support a farmer financially  and should rain, sun, and chance allow it, enjoy the harvest, too.  We talked about the farmers who gather in the summers to sell what they have grown at the local farmers’ market.  We talked about ways we could work together as a community to continue to invest here. And in ways that are good for people and the earth.

Urban Harvest… it is a true expression of the type of community that I’m proud to be a part of.

Can’t wait to see you all this summer. And, maybe next month?  We’re discussing the book, “Independence Days.” It’s about becoming more independent with your food supply and how to preserve things after their season is over.  7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 25th at the Public Library.  Feel free to bring something to share that  you preserved from last harvest if you wish.

And, see you on July 8th for the first Urban Harvest market of the season!

Baskets of Plenty

River Bound Farm

2010 Urban Harvest Book Club

Food, Inc. by Karl B. Weber

Please join us Thursday April 15, 2010 – 7:00 pm at the Bismarck Public Library to discuss the participant guide, as well as view segments of the film.

Independence Days by Sharon Astyk will be our second book of the series. We will meet on May 25th – 7:00 pm at the Bismarck Public Library. Please join us for a discussion about the book.

Urban Harvest Book Club

Let us all just pretend that we didn’t see snow yesterday, ok? In less than a month, school will be out for the summer and Urban Harvest season will be upon us. To kick off this season, Urban Harvest is hosting a book club on May 28th and June 25th. We will be reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (discussion May 28th) and The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan (discussion June 25th). The public library has copies, as does Barnes and Noble. Make sure you say “hi” to Lisa Kyes if you stop by – she’s our new board secretary and the manager of B&N (and a mom to two kids, and a dog, and a cat… whew!). She will also be facilitating the discussions. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to read the whole book; we are looking forward to having a discussion on how individuals are choosing to shop locally and investigate their food choices.

Please join us!

May 28th 7pm-9pm
Bismarck Veteran’s Library
Book: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

June 25th 7pm-9pm
Bismarck Veteram’s Library
Book: The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan