An “After-party” to celebrate Grasshoppers Distribution, mourn its passing, and raise funds to retire its debt will take place Monday, March 17, 5-8 p.m. at Harvest, 624 E. Market St.
The effort to connect local farmers more directly with consumers was a terrific effort, started by farmer Ivor Chodkowski, assisted by a large staff of young, underpaid workers and supported by a food community that cherished what local growers were doing to raise excellent food. In the last few years, though, it became apparent that the market wanted things that Grasshoppers business plan could not provide: shopping convenience and home delivery among them.
Chodkowski sees the After-party as an opportunity to keep the conversation going between farmers, grocers, restaurants and customers, to try to work out new directions for the local food movement.
Harvest chef Coby Ming will provide hors d’oeuvres (made from local ingredients, of course), there will be a cash bar, live music and guest speakers, including Sam Lawson from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and Martin Richards from Community Farm Alliance. Scott Moore and Johnny Bramel will provide the music.
Guests are asked to pay on a sliding scale from $25 to $75, as their means allow. For reservations or further information, call Laura Peot at (859) 396-8012, or email lipeot@gmail.com.
