Join us for our 2nd annual Local Food Awards! It’s an opportunity for us all to celebrate and recognize individuals in our community that work passionately for a better and more just food system. This year, we honor women change makers. Come toast Kelli Brew and Jenny Franklin, two women that have been an integral part of Gainesville’s food community for over twenty years!
Event Tickets can be purchased here.
Here is a look at our two Local Food Awardees, and our award-winning emcee for the evening!
Jenny Franklin, High Springs Orchard and Bakery
For 20 years, Jenny has been a mainstay in High Springs, changing the landscape for local food. A small homestead initially intended to sustain their family and a few friends, quickly turned into The High Springs Orchard and Bakery, an organic orchard featuring some of the most sought after fruits in the area. Every year hundreds of visitors from all over the state flock to visit the farm that features a U-Pick operation of persimmons, chestnuts, muscadine grapes and figs. The bakery offers an impressive array of local and homemade fare including kimchi, empanadas, Pad Thai, moringa pesto, jams, jellies, countless pastries and deserts and so much more! Jenny is an avid supporter of local food systems development, participating in conversations with local government, partnering with UF/IFAS Extension to provide training to others, and connecting with many organizations to offer her farm, kitchen, and other resources to help expand educational opportunities on local food and Florida agriculture.
Kelli Brew, Alachua County Farm to School Coordinator
Kelli has long been dedicated and passionate about facilitating connections among the various facets that create a holistic and inclusive local food community. Since 1998 she has overseen innovative programs that connect local food to those most in need of a nourishing meal, compassion, and dignity. Her creativity and outside-the-box thinking have created solutions and programs that effectively serve those most disenfranchised in our community. Homeless individuals and families, low income school children, and those with special needs have benefitted from Kelli’s dedication. Her current role as the Alachua County Farm to School Coordinator represents the culmination of a life dedicated to service and community. This unique multi-institutional, and county-wide collaboration is a nationally recognized program that supports 15 school gardens, and serves more than 27,000 students locally grown, often organic, fruits and vegetables on the lunch line every week.
Osayi Endolyn, Writer & Editor, James Beard Award Winner
Osayi is a writer and editor, exploring the American southern food landscape and the rich cultural connections with African American history. Her writing has appeared in numerous well-known publications, including Gravy, a publication by the Southern Foodways Alliance, which earned her a James Beard Award for column writing. Southern Living named her one of 30 Women Moving Southern Food Forward.
Thank you so much to our sponsors this year, for helping make this event possible!
