One of the tastiest days in the state, "Eat Green for Tennessee," is coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
On that day, restaurants will come together to support The Land Trust for Tennessee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving public and private lands across the state from destruction and protecting our natural and historic landscapes. Participating restaurants will donate a minimum of 15 percent of their day's proceeds to the land trust.
Anne Braly"'Eat Green for Tennessee' raises awareness around the direct connection between good local food, a strong local economy and protecting our vital farmland," says Liz McLaurin, Land Trust president and CEO, adding that the trust is the only organization in the Volunteer State that places a focus on conserving Tennessee's farmland.
"Without working farmland, we don't have the ability to grow our own food and other important crops," she says.
And with the huge farm-to-table trend taking place around the country, it makes sense for restaurants to be involved in saving our farmlands.
"Once you pave farmland, you lose those agricultural soils forever," McLaurin says. "Without working farmland, we don't have the ability to grow our own food ... which doesn't bode well for Tennessee's economy."
In the past year, the Land Trust for Tennessee has worked with individuals and other partners to conserve more than 11,000 acres in 26 projects across the state. Now in its fourth year, "Eat Green" has received impressive support from restaurants and their patrons.
The event began in Nashville as more of an awareness vehicle, McLaurin notes, but now it's grown into a legitimate fundraiser. Revenue from the event doubled between 2014 and 2015, nearly $37,000 raised last year with 57 restaurants participating. It was the first year for "Eat Green" to happen in Chattanooga, and this year it's spreading to Sewanee and Memphis.
Since 1999 when the Land Trust for Tennessee was formed, more than 105,000 acres in 61 counties have been conserved through easements to protect the property in perpetuity. From the smallest plots, such as a 0.22-acre urban garden in Nashville, to large farms with thousands of acres, the currently are 33 projects undertaken by the land trust.
Puckett's Grocery, located in downtown Chattanooga at 2 West Aquarium Way, supported "Eat Green for Tennessee" last year and will do so again this year.
"Puckett's places a very high importance on giving back to the community, and the 'Eat Green for Tennessee' campaign is one of the many ways we're able to do that," says Rachel Layton, director of marketing for A. Marshall Family Foods, parent company of Puckett's. "We are especially cognizant of the necessity to preserve the land in our state, in turn enabling our farmlands and wildlife to continue to grow and thrive."
In addition to Puckett's, Chattanooga restaurants taking part in this year's one-day-only campaign are:
* Alleia, 25 E. Main St.
* Niedlov's, 215 E. Main St.
* 1885 Grill, 3914 St. Elmo Ave.
* 212 Market, 212 Market St.
* Two Ten Jack, 110 Market St. in Warehouse Row
* Mojo Burrito, 1800 Dayton Blvd., 3950 Tennessee Ave., and 1414 Jenkins Road
* Slick's, 309 E. Main St.
* Good Dog, 34 Frazier Ave.
* Crossroads Café, 38 Ball Park Road, Sewanee
* All five Lupi's Pizza locations - 5504 Hixson Pike; 406 Broad St.; 1414 Jenkins Road; 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah; 2382 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland
There is no minimum amount you will be required to spend. Just eat and enjoy.
WINE FOR A CAUSE
Over the years, Josh Cellars wine - a brand created in memory of the founder's father, Josh Carr, who was a volunteer firefighter - has focused on giving back to first responders in a variety of ways. This year, leading up to National First Responder's Day on Sept. 27, Josh Cellars will be doing so again with a donation initiative.
Josh Cellars wine is donating $1 per bottle sold now through October, up to $100,000, to the National Volunteer Fire Council; the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association is a member.
Josh wines are sold in grocery and liquor stores throughout our area, so the next time you're shopping, pick up a bottle or two and know you're helping support First Responders in Tennessee while sipping on some award-winning wines.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.