As we reflect on our second annual Fresh Picked, held May 16, 2024, at the amazing BLDG39 event space, we are filled with gratitude: From our incredibly supportive guests to our all-star roster of sponsors and event partners, the room was filled with people and organizations coming together to celebrate the power of delicious, nutritious food. Together, we raised critical funds to lift up communities in Philadelphia and across the country. (Check out our Fresh Picked webpage for a full listing of our sponsors, in-kind partners and event partners!)
This year, we chose to spotlight “Healthy Families, Healthy Futures” by lifting up the myriad Food Trust programs and initiatives that help children access, afford and learn about the nourishing foods that are crucial for a thriving future. One of our favorite activities of the evening, “Are You Smarter Than a First-Grader,” challenged guests to a blindfolded produce guessing game — it was surprising to learn which fruits and vegetables are easiest (and hardest) to identify using limited senses!
We were honored to host a special guest, Dr. Jamie Green, who serves as Eastern Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. An eighth-generation grower, Dr. Green advocates for land access, controlled environment agriculture, emerging technologies and energy as key ingredients for local communities to produce what they need to sustain quality of life. Thank you so much to Dr. Green for joining us to share powerful words about the importance of food sovereignty to communities in Pennsylvania and nationwide!
We also honored the impact of the late Richard Jaffe Esq., who, with his firm Duane Morris, has provided The Food Trust with incredibly meaningful pro bono legal services for over three years and counting. Richard’s legacy of leadership and steadfast stewardship of our mission will always be remembered by our staff, and we were so happy to have his family join us at Fresh Picked to share memories of his lasting impact.
Front and center for the evening was a beautiful, carefully curated garden table brought to life by our catering partner Olive & Shea, flanked by Natalia from Midnight Pasta, making fresh pasta onsite and talking guests through the process. The night also featured local food truck Jerry’s Homemade, along with Frost 321‘s ice cream and sorbet frozen at the perfect temperature using liquid nitrogen. The bar was stocked with local options from our generous beverage partners, Penn Beer, Cellar Beast Winery and Top Dog Cocktails.
The evening also offered a Time Capsule Entertainment photo booth, curated silent auction, live auction of Food Trust services, and live music from local band Chuck Darwin and the Knuckle-Draggers, fronted by Ben Wenk of Headhouse Farmers Market favorite Three Springs Fruit Farm!
Thank you again to everyone who gathered with us to celebrate the work of The Food Trust! Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about future events.
