Since 2012, the Walls Project has revitalized underused spaces, created public art and hosted volunteer cleanups in the capital region.
As part of its fall fundraiser, the nonprofit will host a ticketed, farm-to-table experience under the night sky at the Baton Roots Community Farm, 5509 Winbourne Ave., on Oct. 10, and all proceeds will go back into the community farm. This is the inaugural event, an idea sparked by the team’s realization of how enjoyable a farm-to-table dinner would be. Additionally, many locals don’t realize that the community farm is a program of the Walls Project.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to not only try our produce but know that we’re there,” said Dr. Ashlyn Harrison, executive director of the Walls Project.
Enter, Boots on the Farm: an Elevated Farm-to-Table Experience. The community farm will transform into an outdoor dining space with 150 seats for a five-course meal. Chef Kaala Lawla, Aramark catering director at Southern University, will head the outdoor kitchen.
The dishes will be prepared using locally grown food, a majority coming from the community farm. Courses include cane sugar cornbread; eggplant and smothered collard greens; shrimp, okra and radishes; baked chicken and fish; and sweet potato bread pudding.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour at 4 p.m. with dinner to follow at 5 p.m. After dinner, patrons can enjoy live music, brought by DJ Love Yourself, artist Justin Rendell and a live band.
The farm is located in a food desert so that community members with transportation barriers can walk over, Harrison said. Since breaking ground in 2019, the farm has given away free, locally grown produce.
“In order for people to have access to fresh produce, they can walk to our farm,” Harrison said. “I want people to know we’re giving this produce away to the community, so come out and support us. We’re doing the good work.”
Tickets cost $150 and are available for purchase online.
Dining and Cooking