Garden Gleaning Project
It's hard to believe we'll be planting veggies soon, but we will, and the Garden Gleaning Project is asking us to plant a little extra for those in need. The project last worked with local gardeners and farmers market vendors to collect more than 48,000 pounds of fresh produce for food shelf partners in Hennepin County. You can learn what produce is most needed by visiting www.GardenGleaning.org. The project also seeks volunteers. You can register your home or community garden to donate produce to a local food shelf and volunteer as you garden, as well as take part in helping to harvest at gardens, collect donated produce at local farmers markets or lend a hand at the new Emergency Foodshelf Network Giving Garden.
Let the grilling begin
Minnesota Monthly makes a game attempt at declaring it summer with its upcoming GrillFest, a May 17-18 festival at the Depot in Minneapolis. Featured will be live grilling demos; samples of food, wine and specialty beers; ideas for outdoor ambience, and live music. Tickets are $20 online at www.grillfestival.com or $35 at the entrance. You must be 21 or older to attend. And for those interested in a warm-up to the weekend, the magazine also is hosting a Pig & Pinot Patio Party from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 16 at the Butcher & the Boar in Minneapolis. Tickets are $50 at www.grillfestival.com, which also has more details about both events. Grilled samples include rib tips, the Butcher brat, fennel- and paprika-smoked ham, stuffed jalapeños and bacon shortbread — plus wine pairings. Again, it's for those who've had their 21st birthday.
Wedge Co-op announces expansion details
Construction will begin soon on the Wedge Co-op's (www.wedge.coop) new Eat Street location, at 24th Street and Nicollet Avenue S. in Minneapolis. The Wedge Community Table will include a kitchen production area and bakehouse as well as a small market, a classroom and a cafe selling grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, a burrito bar, coffee and juices, seasonal deli items and baked goods. The $4.5 million project — the Wedge's second location and the first phase of a multiyear expansion — has a projected fall 2014 opening date.
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