On May 18, 2023, friends of The Food Trust came together for our first-ever Fresh Picked fundraiser at BLDG39, helping us raise critical funds in support of our work to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. (Click here to see all the photos!)
In true Food Trust fashion, food was front and center. Attendees enjoyed fare from some of the city’s favorite food trucks and vendors, including Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, Chewy’s Food Truck, Amira’s Delites and Sweet T’s Bakery. Throughout the evening, Olive and Shea Catering served up tasty bites that showcased fresh and local ingredients, from yakitori chicken skewers to a sweet pea, carrot and celery root parfait. And the star of the show was an incredible farmers market table, featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, pickles, breads and spreads — the perfect embodiment of food that’s both delicious and nutritious.
The bar was stocked with local options from Penn Beer, Deerfoot Winery and Top Dog Cocktails, who generously provided the beverages for the evening. There was a drink for every taste, from IPA to chardonnay to whiskey lemonade.
But Fresh Picked wasn’t all about eating and drinking — activities throughout the evening helped celebrate the 30+ year evolution of The Food Trust from a small South Philly farm stand to a national organization. Attendees could check out a timeline display showcasing milestones from throughout our history; enjoy a rotating selection of vintage Food Trust photographs on the big screen; and participate in a curated silent auction with special items donated by some wonderful Food Trust friends — from an empanada class at Mission Taqueria, to a baking lesson with High Street on Market’s head pastry chef.
Two musical guests provided the perfect soundtrack for the evening: Duo Quiana & Caselli greeted attendees with their acoustic tunes, and later on, Chuck Darwin and the Knuckle-Draggers turned up the volume with their boot-stomping songs. Fun fact: Chuck Darwin and the Knuckle-Draggers is fronted by Ben Wenk of Three Springs Fruit Farm, a Headhouse Farmers Market favorite!
During a special program, Food Trust President & CEO Mark Edwards honored those who have brought The Food Trust to where it is today, while also looking toward the future of the organization. Honorees included Duane Perry, who founded The Food Trust (then called the Reading Terminal Farmers Market Trust) in 1992; Gail Furman, The Food Trust’s longest-standing volunteer; and Board members Barbara Gold, Cindy Ayers and Debbie Cohen, whose collective 50+ years of service has shepherded the organization through its growth and evolution. Mark also thanked Harvest Sponsor Truist, as well as Cultivator Sponsors AmeriHealth Caritas and CSX, whose support of Fresh Picked was instrumental in its success.
Thank you again to everyone who gathered with us to honor our past and toast to our future! Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about future events.
Our sponsors:
Reading Terminal Market Corporation | Comcast NBCUniversal | Duane Morris LLP
PA Preferred | Precision Benefits Group | Parx Casino
Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations
Total HR Solutions | Your Part-Time Controller, LLC
Beverage sponsors:
Deerfoot Vineyards & Winery | Penn Beer | Top Dog Cocktails
In-kind support provided by:
4imprint | BLDG39 | Cannon Graphics Inc. | Northfound Design
Event partners:
Amira’s Delites | Chewy’s | Dave Tavani Photography | Harsati Valet & Driving Services
Longview Flowers | Mom-Mom’s Kitchen | Nilaa Coffee | Olive & Shea Catering
South Jersey Party Rental | Sweet T’s Bakery | Time Capsule Entertainment
Live music by:
Chuck Darwin & the Knuckle-Draggers | Qiana & Caselli