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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independence Gardens Announces "Food Fight 2024" – A Chef Competition to Transform School Lunches 

Lewisville, TX – August 30, 2024– Independence Gardens is excited to announce Food Fight 2024, an innovative event dedicated to addressing food insecurity and enhancing school lunch programs. The event will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.), at TECC West,  1250A W Round Grove Rd, Lewisville, TX 75067

This unique competition will feature local chefs battling to create the most nutritious and delicious school lunches on a budget of just $4.43, the current National School Lunch Program      reimbursement rate.

Chonnie Richey, Founder and Executive Director of Independence Gardens, expressed her enthusiasm: “Food Fight 2024 is not just about showcasing culinary skills; it’s about highlighting the challenges and opportunities within school lunch programs. By bringing together talented chefs and community leaders, we aim to spark a broader conversation about the importance of nutritious meals for our children and the need for sustainable solutions.”

The event will feature a “Chopped”-style competition where chefs will prepare one main dish and one side item while adhering to strict nutritional guidelines. The dishes will be judged by 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, ensuring that the young voices most affected by these meals have a say in what’s served.

Chef Jo Garcia, Board Member at Independence Gardens, added: “As a chef, I am passionate about making a difference in our community. Food Fight 2024 provides a platform to not only create delicious and healthy meals but also to drive meaningful change. We are excited to see how our local chefs rise to this challenge and how we can collectively improve school lunches.”

The event aims to raise awareness and funds to support Independence Gardens' initiatives, including the installation of HydroTowers and the expansion of the ‘Come and EAT IT’ cooking program. Donations from the $5 Boost Campaign will directly support these efforts, ensuring that more students have access to fresh, nutritious food.

Limited Tickets to the Public will be released:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-fight-when-chefs-battle-kids-win-tickets-984031353267?aff=oddtdtcreator&lang=en-us&locale=en_US&status=30&view=listing

Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:  

Name: Chonnie Richey

Email: chonnie@independencegardens.org

Phone: (214) 500-7206

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE GARDENS                                                                                        

Independence Gardens is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring every child has access to fresh food and transform the way children and communities understand, appreciate, and experience food. Through hands-on learning, cooking, and gardening programs, Independence Gardens empowers individuals to make healthier choices, fosters food education, and promotes sustainability.

Website:  www.independencegardens.org                                                                                  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064332656546                                  Instagram:  @igardensrev

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 Wine, Dine, and Movie Premiere 'A Fine Line': A Culinary Celebration of Female Excellence

 MAPP and Independence Gardens Host Networking Event Empowering Women in the Hospitality Industry

GRAPEVINE, TX - May 2, 2024– MAPP, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of the hospitality & culinary industry by empowering women to lead through mentorship, advocacy, purpose, and the power of community, in partnership with Dallas’s Independence Gardens, is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, "Wine, Dine, and A Fine Line.”

During the event, MAPP, along with one of its longtime sponsors, Markham Napa Valley Vineyards, will present the Altruist Community Impact Award, a $1,500 grant awarded to a Texas women-owned culinary business. This award recognizes and supports the efforts of women entrepreneurs in the culinary industry and will be presented to an attendee of the event on that evening.

The evening will commence with a VIP Wine & Dine and Chef Meet & Greet from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, where attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with renowned chefs and industry professionals. As part of our commitment to empowering women, we are proud to showcase the journey of young female chefs from local high school and culinary programs. This representation underscores the importance of mentorship and education in shaping the future of the culinary industry, aligning perfectly with MAPP and Independence Gardens' mission to promote fresh food access and empower women.

Independence Gardens will also award a Hydroponic Tower to a local school, which will be awarded to the representative of the campus attending the event. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities for students to learn about sustainable farming and healthy eating habits.

 Local chefs, including MAPP Ambassador and Chef/Owner Mollie Guerra of Chef Mollie G, Executive Chef Alicia Rivera of Aramark Student Nutrition (Lewisville Independent School District), Chef Jo Garcia of Herbiveats Comida Del Sol, Chef Uno Immanavong of Red Stix, Chef Anastacia Quinones-Pittman of Jose and Tacos de Tacha, and Chef Elizabeth Anderson of Vegan Food House, Casa Del Vegano, will all be participating, including on a panel conversation.  We will also have representation from local culinary students.  

Following the VIP reception, guests will be treated to a screening of the award-winning documentary "A Fine Line" by director and producer Joanna James. This documentary delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the culinary industry and the inspiring stories of women who persevered against all odds to become great successes.

The evening will continue with a panel discussion with the filmmaker and participating chefs from 8:30 PM to 9:15 PM.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Independence Gardens and MAPP, aligning with the organizations' mission to promote fresh food access and empower women through mentorship and advocacy. As Chonnie Richey, Founder and Executive Director of Independence Gardens, states, "At Independence Gardens, we believe in nurturing our community through access to fresh food and empowering women to lead. Partnering with MAPP for 'Wine, Dine, and A Fine Line' perfectly aligns with our mission, as we work together to create positive change in the culinary industry."

This event was made possible by generous sponsors including PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines, Distinguished Vineyards, Dough Wines, and Markham Napa Valley Vineyards.

Date: Tuesday, June 4 · 6 - 9 pm CDT                                                                                                                      

Location: Palace Theater - Grapevine, 300 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051                               

Event Agenda:                                                                                                                                       

- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: VIP Wine & Dine, Chef Meet & Greet                                                             

- 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM: Film Screening: A Fine Line                                                                                 

- 8:30 PM - 9:15 PM: Chef Speakers Panel

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-dine-and-a-fine-line-tickets-879692533047?aff=oddtdtcreator

 For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:  

Name: Chonnie Richey

Email: chonnie@independencegardens.org

Phone: (214) 500-7206

-END-

 

ABOUT MAPP

The 501c3 MAPP was founded in 2020 after Joanna James’ award-winning PBS film premiere of the documentary A Fine Line – featuring world-renowned women chefs like Dominique Crenn, Cat Cora, and Elizabeth Falkner among others – sparked national conversations regarding gender bias in restaurant culture and the food system. James created MAPP (Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose, and the Power of Community) to empower more women into leadership. 

 The non-profit empowers women to lead using a roadmap designed with the industry's top programs, mentors, and partners to create gender and racial equity and policies that support working families, sponsoring grants, and creating opportunities for representation where women and people of color are sorely missed. The progress has been recognized in Oprah Magazine, PBS, The James Beard Foundation, Food & Wine, and Harvard University.  For more information, visit mappimpact.org or follow along on Instagram @mappimpact or @afinelinemovie.

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE GARDENS                                                                                     

Independence Gardens is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring every child has access to fresh food and transform the way children and communities understand, appreciate, and experience food. Through hands-on learning, cooking, and gardening programs, Independence Gardens empowers individuals to make healthier choices, fosters food education, and promotes sustainability.

Website:  www.independencegardens.org                                                                                 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064332656546                                  Instagram:  @igardensrev

 

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THE ART OF FOOD EVENT TO UNITE CULINARY AND ARTISTIC FORCES IN NORTH TEXAS

Lewisville, January 15, 2024 — Independence Gardens is delighted to announce "The Art of Food," an culinary event, art show and auction set to take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Sparrow on Main located in historic Old Town Lewisville. This innovative occasion will seamlessly blend culinary excellence with artistic expression to raise awareness about food insecurity in North Texas and supports Independence Gardens’ programs that provide children in schools and communities access to fresh food.

A Culinary Extravaganza: "The Art of Food" promises a culinary experience like no other. Renowned local chefs will take center stage, transforming the finest ingredients into culinary masterpieces that tantalize the taste buds and redefine the boundaries of gastronomic innovation.

Immersive Art Experience: Adding an extra layer of uniqueness, attendees, including corporate table ticket holders, will be invited to participate in an immersive art experience. Collaborate with talented artists in real-time and contribute to the creation of unique art pieces, making this event a true celebration of creativity.

Event Highlights:                                                                                                                                

- Art Gallery:Explore a carefully curated gallery featuring impactful artworks that shed light on the pressing issue of food insecurity.                                                                                                 - Chef’s Creations: Delight your palate with exquisite dishes crafted by master chefs, each a testament to culinary artistry.                                                                                                                  - Interactive Art Stations: Engage with various art stations, allowing attendees to contribute to collaborative art projects.                                                                                                                     - Live Art Show by internationally renowned Cuban artist Rolando Diaz                                                                                                                           

Tickets for "The Art of Food” can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/artoffood

Event Details:           Date: 2/29/24                                Time: 6:30 p.m.                                                            Location: Sparrow On Main, 105 E Main St, Lewisville, TX 75057.                                                  For more information, explore sponsorship opportunities, or for media inquiries, please contact Chonnie Richey at chonnie@independencegardens.org. Independence Gardens invites the community to come together for an evening of culinary and artistic brilliance, shining a light on the cause of ensuring all children in North Texas have access to fresh food.

For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:  

Name: Chonnie Richey

Email: chonnie@independencegardens.org

Phone: (214) 500-7206

About Independence Gardens:  Independence Gardens is a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the way children and communities understand, appreciate, and experience food. Through hands-on learning, cooking, and gardening programs, Independence Gardens empowers individuals to make healthier choices, fosters food education, and promotes sustainability.