Project Eats, a non-profit spearheaded by activist and filmmaker Linda Goode Bryant that reimagines organic food systems in New York City, will honor artist Lauren Halsey and “Food & Wine” editor Dana Cowin at a fundraising gala on Nov 11. The event will feature a menu by Gramercy Tavern Chef de Cuisine Aretah Ettarh and renowned pastry chef Camari Mick, and the money raised will support the organization’s mission to provide access to sustainable urban farming in NYC.
Bryant, who ran Just Above Midtown, a multi-disciplinary art space that highlighted voices of color and has directed documentary films like “Flag Wars” that explore themes of race and class, started Project Eats in 2009. The organization envisions “a city where everyone has access to fresh, healthy food and the power to shape their own food story,” according to their website, “transforming vacant lots into vibrant farms, empty spaces into gathering places, and neighbors into family.” The organization currently operates six urban farms across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. These farms grow fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and much more — providing NYC neighborhoods with access to fresh, organic produce within their own communities, and in spaces that typically lack these resources. The organization will honor Cowin for “her work on ‘The Progressive Hedonist’ podcast and a career devoted to championing both culinary innovation and food accessibility,” and Halsey for “Both celebrating Black cultural expressions and archiving them, [offering] a form of creative resistance to the forces of gentrification.” Tickets to the gala and more information can be found at projecteats.org. Those who wish to support but cannot attend can volunteer or donate, and a list of their currently operational farms can be found at projecteats.org/food.