Things are certainly picking up speed. As we safely move into a slow re-open, the Butte County Local Food Network is mindfully growing, eating, loving and creating community.

We want to thank those who sent letters of support to the City Council about the Farmer’s Market location. YAY for the bi-partisan agreement that will serve both the city and the market for years to come. Loving Chico!

Now on to events….there are is so much Good happening these days to help mitigate those COVID blues!

Garden Blitz on the Burn Scar

It’s time for folks on the Burn Scar to apply for a garden . We “heartily” encourage all to apply for a scholarship or put a small down payment on a garden. The gardens include a 4×4’ wood box, soil, mulch, 6 plants, hardware cloth and a chicken wire protective cover for at least some critter control. Installations are from August 22-30. Apply for yours here and spread the word to all your neighbors and friends! We put out word on Facebook on Tuesday and already have 22 applications. So sign up soon !

We invite all to volunteer to help us spread the word about this AND to install the gardens. Those who joined us in the Spring really enjoyed themselves—some didn’t want to stop and stayed longer than they signed up for. Let’s all come together and create more food security all over our county! You can sign yourself or a team up here.

Farm to Fork Fiesta

It’s time to celebrate the land, the air and great local food at our first Farm To Fork meal of 2020!

Let’s gather outside under the cooling, shady walnut trees behind the barn at GRUB CSA’s new farm to eat a seasonal, Mexican inspired, locally sourced meal prepared by Chef Donna Garrison. ( See menu here. )

We will be observing Social Distancing Recommendations for seating and ask that you wear masks as you mingle for your and others’ comfort. Servers will follow all safety protocols.

Go here to see the menu and get your tickets. The meal is lovingly offered as a fundraiser for the Butte County Local Food Network’s general fund so we can continue to bring you fun events and continue to serve our community. So, save the date- July 25, from 5-8PM! And please share the event page on Facebook with friends and family.

Play Days in the Gardens

Vecino Garden – During the heat of summer, we’ll gather an hour earlier than usual. So join us from 9-11 on Sunday mornings at 1535 Laburnum and watch this amazing project grow into a vision and inspiration for all who visit to turn their lawns into food forests.

Paradise Community Guilds has work days the second Saturday and last Sunday of the month. So, join them July 11 and 26 at 5704 Chapel Dr. in Paradise. Any questions? Contact Jennifer Peterson at pair-o-dice@comcast.net

Kentfield Gardens is starting to produce!! It’s mostly self-pick, so come by and check it out. The map at the larges wooden structure tells you where to pick what. Check out their Facebook page and come on by at 1125 Kentfield Rd. in Chico.

Creating Food Independence in Butte County

July 19, 4PM at Vecino Victory Garden 1535 Laburnum will feature the start of a new series called “Why Local Food?” This month will focus on what’s actually IN the food you buy at the grocery store. Ever feel like you need the equivalent of a college course to understand food labels? What does “organic” means? Did you know that wine can have 150 additives and not label them? What label is more important to look for, the NonGMO label or Organic? Bring packages of food and we’ll talk about what is in your food. Discussion led by Pamm Larry.

Want to Help Us Feed Concow?

Concow, Pulga, Yankee Hill and other outlying areas were devastated by the Camp Fire and have been “the forgotten” in the aftermath. That’s changing! Electricity is slowly returning, the Concow Camp Ground should be open soon and the community pool is open! And…we are part of a movement that’s bringing fresh, local food to them as they live in a food desert.

Our mission here at the BCLFN is to create a strong local food system. We feel that part of that is connecting farmers to people who need food. Since April 15, every Wednesday and Saturday, we go to the Farmers Market, to both buy and get donated food from the farmers, then bring it up to the folks in Concow for distribution.

Thanks to our farmers and volunteers we have been able to bring up 3363 pounds and 616 baskets/bunches of locally grown, healthy, fresh food to feed an average of 88 people per delivery! Go, Community!!!

We want to thank YOU who have donated, Tzu Chi, North Valley Community Foundation, From The Ground UP, and The Lundberg Family Foundation for their help so far.

But this project needs ongoing support. If you feel called to volunteer or share extras from your garden on delivery days, please let us know. If you can, please donate money to help pay the farmers. When you visit our site, be sure and check the “Feed Butte County Direct” box and we will direct the money there.

Save our Seeds

You can still plant chard, black eyed peas, sunflowers and squash for harvest this Fall but get it in the ground quickly! You can find seeds at the Little Free Libraries around Chico, Paradise and Oroville. Find one on the map and/or sign the Pledge on our site and we’ll get them to you. Libraries will be fully restocked by Saturday. Let us know if the one near you is out. This will be the last restock for a bit, as we shift to seeds for Fall gardens and begin restocking the end of July or early August. Plant seeds now, eat good food, save good seeds and join us in the Fall for a community potluck so we can share recipes made from the food we grew.

Excited to see you soon!!

Pamm and the Amazing Team at BCLFN!

The Butte County Local Food Network Is Powered By And Gives Great Thanks For

Garden BLITZ On The Burn Scar, Fiesta, and more!