Journey from farm to table at this inaugural fundraiser

Baton Roots, a local community farm and garden network, is hosting a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table experience to raise funds this Saturday, Oct. 10. 

Since the farm’s produce is plentiful and flavorful, Baton Roots director Mitchell Provensal and Walls Project executive director Dr. Ashlyn Harrison decided the best way to show it off was with a direct farm-to-table meal held on the farm grounds. Thus, the idea for the first Boots on the Farm fundraiser came about. 

Boots on the Farm aims to fully immerse guests in an agricultural experience. The directors want to show off the space and what it provides to the community.

“I think it’s really important to me that we didn’t have this in a ballroom,” Harrison says. “When you see the serenity, the peacefulness and the space that matters, I really think that’s going to bring people in.” 

Attendees can expect a five-course meal prepared by Chef Kaala Lawla, along with wine and an open bar. Besides the chance to explore the farm and taste the carefully curated fresh meal, guests will also enjoy entertainment by DJ Love Yourself and Justin Rendell. All event proceeds will go straight into the farm’s programs, Harrison says.

In 2019, the Walls Project Baton Rouge opened its first community farm using abandoned land off BREC’s Howell Park. 

What started as a half-acre garden has turned into a multiplot farm with several food distribution partners and educational and workforce development programs. From the start, the goal was to provide fresh produce to people in Baton Rouge, especially those facing food insecurity. 

Over the years, the farm has expanded not only geographically but also through community engagement. 

Baton Roots offers paid apprenticeships that provide a hands-on approach to learning about agriculture. After-school programs at the farm give young people a chance to grow food and learn about the environment. Plus, volunteer programs, workshops and other events involve different groups of people in the farm’s mission.

“What started as a few raised beds has now grown into a full ecosystem of food access and agriculture training for people who are interested in building up the grain industry,” Harrison says. 

Funds raised will go directly into these programs, as well as the farm’s facilities, such as a new edible food forest that breaks ground in December. This new space is about half an acre and will house edible plants the community can pick. 

Funding Baton Roots helps expand its mission of providing produce to the Capital area. A partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority has given many homeowners a chance to grow their own gardens, but Harrison has hopes to expand even further. 

“My hope is that we share what we know to the point where everybody has a garden in their own backyards,” she says. “I want to see us grow-not just in scale, but in providing that educational confidence to people, so that they know that they can do this themselves.”

Boots on the Farm will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Baton Roots Community Farm, located at 5509 Winbourne Ave.

Individual seats are $161, and you can purchase tickets here.