On the Horizon late Summer 2009

In this issue of on the horizon:
>Healthy Food for All
>7th Annual Autumn Equinox Celebration
> Ways You can Assist Soil Born
> News From the American River Ranch
> Where to Find our Produce
> Shawn Harrison receives Environmental Leader Award

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In the summer of 2003, Marco, Shawn and I put pen to paper in an effort to clarify our vision for Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture & Education Project. The roots or guiding principles of the project became incredibly clear to us. In our hearts and at the heart of Soil Born Farms is a desire for all to be fed. To take it a step further, we agreed to take action towards providing access to fresh, healthy food for all people in our community. We set about bringing food production back to the city. Early on we discovered a sad but true fact. Even when fresh produce is available many of us simply don’t even know what do with it. A beautiful bunch of kale or nutrient dense broccoli isn’t appreciated for its true value. Yet our health and the health of our children can be easily improved by learning some basic cooking skills and incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables into our daily diet.

This is where another important value and guiding principle of our organization comes into play. We have a commitment to teach adults and children how to prepare simple, delicious and nutritious meals for the same amount of money or less than many people spend buying processed and fast food day in and day out. Not to mention the high cost of purchasing prescription drugs that are used to treat many common ailments. Often, these symptoms can be improved or eliminated just by a change in eating and cooking habits. Eat better, feel better. it is as simple as that.

— Janet Zeller, Co-Founder

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

7th Annual Autumn Equinox Celebration

Download the Equinox flyer pdf to view a larger version.

Not so Silent Plea for Help!
The silent auction is an important part of our Autumn Equinox Celebration and we need your help. If you or your business would like to donate a silent auction item, or if you frequent a business you believe would like to donate, please contact Jackie Worth at 916 363.9685.
The silent auction offers an opportunity for you to highlight your business and its commitment to the local community! Additionally, we will include your name and/or business in the event program. Thank you for your continued support!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ways You can Support Soil Born

Become a Friend of Soil Born Farms
Help us create a local food system that is equitable, sane and sustainable. Your annual donation large or small will help us work towards a common vision of healthy food for all. Join us! It’s easy to donate online at www.soilborn.org/donate.html.

American River Ranch Development
Donate $100 or more to help build our outdoor kitchen and classroom. Your ongoing support will allow us to expand our education programs. We also have a Kitchen Wish List for new or gently used kitchenware for our programs - Full list in the print edition of the On the Horizon (PDF). Attention Cooks with a Passion for Vegetables
If you or anyone you know is interested in cooking lunch “from the field to the table” for the staff and volunteers at the American River Ranch, please contact us. I am scheduling volunteers (teams of two) every Saturday through the season to cook lunch. The idea is two-fold: (1) it gives our staff a break on a very busy day at the farm (2) it provides a wonderful opportunity for two friends to meet at the Ranch, shop from the Farm Stand or harvest from the field and prepare a simple meal for 15–20 grateful people. Staple ingredients are provided (oils, grains, spices) and as much fresh produce as you can carry. We encourage cooks to bring/donate other ingredients (cheese, ginger, meat or mushrooms) to enhance your creativity. Invite a friend to join you and experience the pleasure of cooking farm fresh ingredients and nurturing your friendships for a good cause. It’s win-win! Contact: jzeller@soilborn.org.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

News From the American River Ranch

To read about the seasonal changes on the American River Ranch, The success of our spring event A Day on the Farm, and how a group of 5th graders brought a cow into the farm's future, check out the full print edition of the On the Horizon (PDF).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Shawn Harrison Receives 2009 Regional Environmental Leader Award

We are proud to announce that Shawn Harrison and Soil Born Farms were honored at Valley Vision’s Legacy Feast. It was Valley Vision co-founder Gordon Schaber’s vision to build leadership that rises above boundaries and drives results at a regional scale. Each winner receives a cash grant of $5,000 and then passes the grant along to the next generation of leaders to help seed their efforts and their impact. Shawn donated his grant to Lifeschool. Lifeschool offers a variety of programs focusing on youth development, wilderness exploration and environmental awareness - www.goadventure.org.