**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

City of Lewisville Partners with Independence Gardens for a Day of Giving Back and Community Unity

Lewisville, TX — October 2, 2023 — Independence Gardens is partnering with the City of Lewisville to hold “Bikers in Wonderland: Eat. Ride. Give.,” an evening of delicious food, live
music, a night market, a costume contest, and motorcycles, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 5-10 p.m., in Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church Street.

This family friendly event is a whimsical take on the story of Alice in Wonderland that features the culinary creativity of local chefs curating dishes based on the story. Tickets start at $18 for children and $30 for adults. Several ticket options are available. Tickets can be purchased at go.rallyup.com. The overall goal of the event is to #rally4freshfood and raise $100 thousand to provide 100 schools actionable, nutrition programs within two years. Independence Gardens, an organization deeply rooted in the City of Lewisville, has been instrumental in initiating and supporting nutrition programs within local schools. Its commitment to educating children on sustainable agriculture and providing access to fresh, locally sourced food, aligns seamlessly with the goals of this event.

"We're truly honored to have the City of Lewisville as our partner for this event," said Chonnie Richey, Founder at Independence Gardens. "Together, we aim to create a night that celebrates the joy of giving, fosters a sense of community, and supports initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of children in schools.”

By providing children in local schools with access to fresh, nutritious food and valuable knowledge on sustainable agriculture, the event seeks to promote a healthier and more sustainable future for the city. "We believe in the power of community-led initiatives, and our partnership with Independence Gardens is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our residents," said Daren Watkins, Special Events Manager. "This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and support programs that benefit us all."

Organizers look forward to welcoming residents and supporters from across the region for this fun and purpose driven event.

For more information about the event, visit bikersinwonderland.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Chonnie Richey Founder, Independence Gardens chonnie@independencegardens.org

About Independence Gardens: Independence Gardens, founded in 2013, is committed to empowering children and their communities to grow and prepare fresh, healthy food through garden-based education programs. Our mission is to improve access to fresh food, promote healthy eating habits, and instill values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

About the City of Lewisville: Lewisville is a dynamic, lakeside community located 26 miles northwest of downtown Dallas along I-35E. Lewisville is in southeast Denton County, one of the most prolific growth areas in the nation. Boasting a culturally diverse population of over 130,000 residents, Lewisville encompasses about 47 square miles. State Highway 121 bisects the community and gives Lewisville easy access to Dallas/ Ft. Worth International Airport located just 10 minutes south of Lewisville. Due to its excellent location, Lewisville is a thriving economic hub with superior access and infrastructure, a low tax environment, a quality workforce, and more. Lewisville boasts a strong and diversified economy with a robust blend of businesses from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups. Surrounded by 9,000 protected acres of nature, Lewisville Lake spans 29,000 acres and has 233 miles of shoreline. With an average depth of 25 feet, Lewisville Lake is large enough to host many activities such as fishing, water sports, boating, and miles of scenic hiking and bicycling trails

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Culinary Magic and Purpose Unite: Profoundly Wonderland Dinner to Support Independence Gardens' #Rally4FreshFood Campaign

Lewisville, Texas – Get ready for an evening of culinary enchantment as the Profoundly Wonderland Dinner brings together a remarkable lineup of chefs and a noble cause. Hosted on September 9, 2023, this extraordinary gastronomic event promises to transport attendees to a world of flavors while supporting Independence Gardens' mission to #Rally4FreshFood.

**Event Highlights:**
Date: 9/9/23
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Profound Foods, 163 Fountain Ct, Fairview, TX 75069

**Indulging in Culinary Creativity:**
Prepare to be dazzled by the talents of 7 renowned chefs, each crafting a distinctive course that reflects their culinary expertise and creativity. The lineup includes: Chef Mollie Guerra, Chef Justin Box, Chef Joshua Bonee, Chef Josh Harmon, Chef Sahara Grace Uy, Chef Jo Garcia, Chef Belal Kattan

**Culinary Adventure with Purpose:**
Beyond exquisite cuisine, the Profoundly Wonderland Dinner is a celebration of purpose. By attending, guests directly contribute to Independence Gardens' #Rally4FreshFood campaign. This initiative aims to empower children with access to fresh, nutritious meals, fostering a deeper connection to food and sustainability.

**A Night of Culinary Enchantment:**
The event promises an evening where flavors transcend boundaries and creativity takes center stage. Attendees will indulge in a journey of taste, artistry, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.

**Supporting Independence Gardens:**
Independence Gardens believes that every child should have the opportunity to understand where their food comes from and make informed choices about what they eat. This aligns perfectly with the spirit of the event, where culinary creativity meets the mission to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

**Join the Movement:**
Attendees will not only experience an unforgettable evening but will also receive a VIP Ticket to Bikers In Wonderland: Eat. Ride. Give., an event that combines adventure, entertainment, and delectable food stations across Wonderland.

**Event Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase at https://givebutter.com/profoundlywonderland. For inquiries, contact chonnie@independencegardens.org.

Join us on 9/9/23 for a night of culinary magic, purpose, and unity at the Profoundly Wonderland Dinner. Let's come together to celebrate flavors, support a meaningful cause, and make a lasting impact.

**About Independence Gardens:**
Independence Gardens is dedicated to connecting children with the earth and promoting access to fresh, nutritious food. Through educational programs and initiatives like the #Rally4FreshFood campaign, the organization empowers children to make informed choices about their food and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Chonnie Richey
214.500.7206

*Photos and additional information are available upon request.*

Dallas, Texas – The Mad Hatter Dinner Series with Chef Justin Box is a one-of-a-kind dining experience for adventurous foodies. The six underground dinners will lead up to Bikers In Wonderland: Eat. Ride. Give in October, a fundraiser benefiting Independence Gardens, a non-profit organization that aims to teach children about the importance of sustainable food systems and healthy eating habits.

"We are excited to partner with Chef Justin Box for the second Mad Hatter Dinner Series to raise awareness and funds for our mission," said Chonnie Richey, Founder and Executive Director of Independence Gardens. "Our programs empower children with resources that help them understand where their food comes from and make informed choices that support their well-being and the environment.  We aim to ensure children in schools and communities have access to fresh food.”

Each Mad Hatter Dinner will feature a specially curated six-course menu that showcases Chef Justin Box's unapologetically creative approach to cuisine. The menu will be expertly paired with complementary beverages, taking guests on a whimsical culinary adventure inspired by the Mad Hatter's tea party. With a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating imaginative dishes, Chef Justin Box promises to surprise and delight diners with his culinary madness.

Limited seats are available for each dinner, so foodies are encouraged to reserve their spot soon. The Knave of Hearts Mad Hatter Dinner will take place on May 18th, 2023, and subsequent dinners will follow on a monthly basis until October.

The Mad Hatter Dinner Series with Chef Justin Box is an unforgettable culinary journey for anyone who loves to explore new tastes and indulge in imaginative cuisine. Join us for a night of culinary madness while supporting a great cause.

For more information or to purchase your seat, visit www.independencegardens.org. 

Contact:

Name: Chonnie Richey

Email: chonnie@independencegardens.org

Phone: (214) 500-7206

About Independence Gardens:

Independence Gardens is a Lewisville-based nonprofit that empowers children to make healthy food choices through hands-on gardening experiences that provides schools and communities access to fresh food. By teaching children about the importance of sustainable food systems and healthy eating habits, they start understanding where their food comes from and make informed choices that support their well-being and environment.  Learn more at independencegardens.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Chef Nutrition Education Program Celebrates 10 Years.

LEWISVILLE – March 13, 2023  – According to the most recent report of The State of Childhood Obesity, Texas currently ranks 8 of 51 States in childhood obesity; 20.3% of children between the ages of 10-17.   What is even more staggering, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children with obesity have a greater chance of becoming obese as adults, and this preventable disease costs the US healthcare system approximately $173 billion a year.

On May 18, 2023, Independence Gardens (IG), in partnership with Amerigroup and Aramark are bringing together a team of local chefs and students in North Texas to rally for improved school nutrition education.  Come and Eat IT! 2023, Independence Gardens’ chef-led cooking campaign launches today in celebration of Independence Gardens’ 10 year anniversary.

“We are very excited to kick-off Come and EAT 2023 in celebration of IG’s 10th year.”  said Chonnie Richey, Founder of Independence Gardens. “Since 2013, Independence Gardens continuous to connect children to food through actionable, impactful nutrition programs that provide schools and communities access to fresh food.   It begins with our edible outdoor learning spaces and culminates in our Come and Eat IT! chef-driven, student-led cooking program.  There is a direct link with the lack of access to fresh food, nutrition education and obesity.  We’re very excited to partner with Amerigroup, as well as our continued collaboration with Aramark. Their commitment to initiatives that create healthier communities supports our overall mission.”

IG is a 501c3 nonprofit parent-led organization funds experiential nutrition programs starting with their edible outdoor learning spaces. While school gardening is not a new concept, IG programs combine not only the hands-on activities in their outdoor learning spaces, but also a hands-on cooking program (Come and Eat IT!) where students learn how to use the fruits and vegetables they are growing.  A program with 100 percent student participation, integrated into curriculum, and where the food is self-sustaining, healthy for the whole school and accessible to families that need them.  

The Amerigroup partnership is even more important as Independence Gardens’ expands its nutrition education programs to reach more students as well as provide alternate ways to connect children to food.  Schools participating in 2023 will receive a $200 micro-grant to seed nutrition programs in their schools.   

“Independence Gardens’ is very excited about 2023.”  said Chonnie Richey, Founder of Independence Gardens.  “Along with our current nutrition programs, we will be launching initiatives that studies the direct relationship between obesity and access to fresh food and expanding partnerships with local organizations, including Promise of Peace.   When we can collaborate and partner with organizations, like Amerigroup, whose primary focus is improving health and wellness for their members, we start seeing the impact we can make on decreasing children’s obesity rates in our community.  Also, the support and partnership with Aramark’s K-12 program is so critical in our overall mission of improving school nutrition education.”

Come and Eat IT! 2023, launching on May 18, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., will showcase a dish reflective of the nutrition goals of Independence Gardens.  The recipe, for this hands-on cooking program, was developed by local chefs and will highlight ingredients that is grown or will be grown by students within the Independence Gardens network of schools. 

Chef Brielle Bustamante, who serves as spokesperson and Board Member of Independence Gardens, will be one of the chefs leading the 2023 campaign.  “IG programs like The Apple Project, The Beanstalk Project, and Come Eat IT shapes the future of healthy and sustainable resources in communities.   It provides children and families access to fresh food while teaching kids the importance of nutrition.  Independence Gardens’ Come and Eat It program advocates good choices while teaching kids the importance of a healthy nutritious lunch and the benefits of garden to table cooking. I have seen the magic in these children's eyes light up while doing cooking demos at the schools. The students are so eager to learn what they've grow in the garden can be turned into a meal they eat and can share amongst their peers. Providing children the right balance of nutrition that fuels their day puts them on the path of success.” 

———————————————————————————————————————

About Independence Gardens:  Independence Gardens is a 501c3, parent-led organization whose mission is to connect kids with food through actionable, impactful school nutrition programs that provides school and communities access to fresh food.  We are committed to partnering with organizations in developing and implementing experiential edible gardening programs that will provide every student an engaging, meaningful and transformative educational experience.  This uninhibited learning  will be accomplished through working partnerships with our community and schools, aiding in implementation of curriculum that address sustainable and ecological gardening practices, and provide an avenue for students to develop life skills in areas such as nutrition, leadership, and decision making. www.independencegardens.org

Contact: Chonnie Richey, Founder, Independence Gardens                                                           

chonnie@independencegardens.org  

Follow us:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Independence-Gardens-156393337870855/

Instagram:  @igardensrev

Twitter:  @iesgardens

website:  www.independencegardens.org

Hashtags:  #independencegardens#come&eatit#lisd#igardens #schoolnutrition #nutritioneducation #comeandeatit 

Contact: Chonnie Richey, Founder, Independence Gardens                                                                                                                                                                                                        cell (214) 500-7206                                                                                                                                                                                                             chonnie@independencegardens.org                                                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Come and EAT IT!  Chef-Led Nutrition Education Program Comes to Arizona

CHANDLER – May 1, 2021 – Take 100+ students, mix in two chefs passionate about fresh food, and a whole lot of fruits and vegetables - and what you get is a recipe for a fun, hands-on nutrition cooking program.   On May 20, 2021, Independence Gardens (IG), in collaboration with Aramark and Frontier Urban Farm are bringing together a team of chefs to the Chandler Unified School District to deliver, Come and EAT IT!, an interactive and impactful nutrition education program.

“The mission of Independence Gardens is to provide children engaging, impactful nutrition education programs by connecting them to the food they are growing and eating.”  said Chonnie Richey, Founder of Independence Gardens. “Every student whose school participates in our network have an opportunity to learn where their food comes from, through our outdoor edible learning program, and they also learn how to cook what they’re growing through our chef-driven live cooking program, Come and EAT IT!.” Independence Gardens (IG),is a 501c3 nonprofit parent-led organization, who funds experiential nutrition programs starting with their edible outdoor learning spaces.

Hydroponic Vertical Gardens is the newest IG program that launched in 2020 and will be offered in conjunction with a school nutrition program. The 15,000 square feet outdoor learning space planned for Rice Elementary in Chandler, Arizona will house these vertical gardens in their planned green house.  Frontier Urban Farm is proud to partner with local schools and health organizations, including Independence Gardens, to provide vertical gardens for the classroom as a way to promote learning, nutrition, sustainability, and a sense of community. (frontierurbanfarm.com) Frontier Urban Farm offers the community convenient access to fresh produce through easy, sustainable vertical gardens that grow year-round. The soul of our business is growing fresh produce without chemicals at any location, working together to support our local community, and contributing to the global food supply while reducing our carbon footprint on Earth.

Aramark, through their food service management partnership with Chandler Unified School, is excited to bring this program to Rice Elementary.  “We’re thrilled to host this program in collaboration with Independence Gardens and Frontier Urban Farms.  We want to provide the students a connection between the produce they’re growing in their vertical gardens and what they see in their on-site cafe,” says Jenny Bracamonte, Food & Nutrition Director for CUSD. Aramark hopes to expand similar nutrition education to all the elementary sites in the Chandler Unified School District next school year. 

Come and Eat IT! 2021, launching on May 20, 2021 at 9:00 -10:00 a.m., will showcase a dish reflective of the nutrition goals of Independence Gardens.  The recipe, for this hands-on cooking program, was developed by Aramark chefs and will use ingredients that is grown or will be grown by students within the Independence Gardens network of schools.

 Chef Tess Collins, Aramark Executive Chef, and Chef Subash Yadav, Chef/Owner, Sherpa Kitchen, Gilbert, AZ will lead the cooking program with over 100 Rice Elementary students as their sous chefs. 

 “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with these organizations to really help the kids make the connection from farm to fork,” says Subash Yadav

“Independence Gardens’ is very excited about how we are continually finding innovative ways to connect children to food,”  said Chonnie Richey, Founder of Independence Gardens.  “When we partner with school districts like Chandler Unified and collaborate with organizations, like Aramark’s K-12 Program, we start seeing the impact our programs have on nourishing the lives of every child in our community.”

About Independence Gardens:  Independence Gardens is a 501c3, parent-led organization whose mission is to connect kids with food through actionable, impactful school nutrition programs.  We are committed to partnering with schools in developing and implementing experiential edible gardening programs that will provide every student an engaging, meaningful and transformative educational experience.  This uninhibited learning  will be accomplished through working partnerships with our community and schools, aiding in implementation of curriculum that address sustainable and ecological gardening practices, and provide an avenue for students to develop life skills in areas such as nutrition, leadership, and decision making. www.independencegardens.org

Follow us: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Independence-Gardens-156393337870855/

Instagram:  @igardensrev

Twitter:  @iesgardens

website:  www.independencegardens.org

Hashtags:  #independencegardens#come&eatit#igardens #schoolnutrition #nutritioneducation #comeandeatit 

About Aramark: Aramark is a global food service management company who specializes in curating specialized solutions for its partners.  Their primary focus is promoting student success through freshly made meals and nutrition education. 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aramark

Twitter: @aramark

Website: www.aramark.com