On June 9, Project Green Fork hosted its highly anticipated Loving Local event at Grind City Brewing Company, bringing together food enthusiasts, chefs, artisans, and community members to celebrate local flavors and sustainable practices. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the rich culinary talent and vibrant culture of Memphis while promoting environmental consciousness through a zero-waste initiative.
One of the most significant achievements of Loving Local was its commitment to being a zero-waste event. In fact, the event produced just six and a half pounds of trash. Through careful planning and the support, 22.4 pounds of leftover food were diverted from landfills. This surplus was donated to partner organizations, helping to feed those in need and reducing the environmental footprint of the event. We collected 84.2 pounds of compost and 11.4 pounds of recyclable materials – saving it from ending up in local landfills.
Loving Local featured an impressive lineup of chefs who prepared delicious small bites that were complementary for attendees. Participants included:
- Biscuits & Jams, led by Chef Monique Williams.
- Good Fortune Co., with Chefs Sarah Cai and Arturo Leighton.
- Kitchen Laurel, under the expertise of Chef Kevin Sullivan.
- Lulu’s Cafe & Bakery, featuring Chefs Stephanie Blanda and Don Gaines.
- Shroomlicious Meals with Chef Daishu McGriff.
In addition to these small bites, two food trucks were on-site offering food for purchase:
- Da Guilty Vegan served traditional comfort food with a plant-based twist.
- Good Groceries Mobile Diner brought a unique menu with scratch-made items such as salmon burgers, duck ham, and crab bisque.
Loving Local also featured an art market, where attendees could explore and purchase unique items from local vendors:
- Boshi Botanicals offered a variety of handmade botanical products.
- Tiny Human Skincare showcased their eco-friendly skincare line for children, emphasizing natural ingredients.
- Samilia displayed beautifully crafted handbags and apparel inspired by travel and cultural experiences.
Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of beers from Grind City Brewing and could purchase a wristband that granted them unlimited drinks throughout the event, adding to the lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Proceeds from the wristbands directly benefited the Project Green Fork mission. Grind City Brewing also whipped up a specialty libation for Loving Local – a seltzer cocktail made with in-house iced tea, lemon juice, and Grind City Brewing’s seltzer draft.
The event was filled with vibrant entertainment, ensuring a festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon. DJ Crystal Mercedes kept the energy high with her groovy music selections, while Marcella Simien delivered a captivating live performance – blending her South Louisiana heritage with the vibrant Memphis music scene.
Loving Local would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
- Presenting: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
- Gold: International Paper and Republic Services
- Silver: Evolve Bank and Trust, Downtown Memphis Commission, Stryker, The Marston Group, Memphis Grizzlies, Colliers International, Memphis Medical District Collaborative, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and Tioga Environmental Consultants
In-kind sponsors also played a crucial role in making the event a success. The Compost Fairy and Get Green Recycleworks provided zero-waste services, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Mempops generously donated their all-natural, made-from-scratch popsicles, providing a refreshing treat for attendees.
Loving Local was more than a celebration of local food and culture. It was a testament to the power of community in fostering sustainable practices. Together, we highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and supporting local businesses. Events like Loving Local demonstrate that with collective effort, we can create a more sustainable and resilient community. Together, we are making a difference, one bite at a time!
