Fighting Hunger with Food and Music

Photo by Carol Ann Sayle

Larry and I like a good party. Especially if we don't have to drive anywhere to attend it. Sometimes we even help throw it.

Such was the case recently. For 11 years we've hosted the fall fundraiser for the non-profit organization Green Corn Project, and every year it's one of the best food parties in Austin. Over 20 fine restaurants and caterers provide food tastings, including Jeffrey's Restaurant's dish made with our daikon radishes to crowds in the front yard of the farm house, while bands serenade them hungrily from the front porch.

Of course the musicians, like the Melancholy Ramblers, who donate their time and talents, are invited to take advantage of the fabulous food too. We don't let them stay melancholy, starving artists for long! After all, Austin is the live music capital of the world.

On our back porch, under a permanently-installed tilting mirror, various chefs demonstrate a dish for an audience of fifty. And under the farm stand roof, Green Corn conducts a silent auction of donated items and services.

Between forays to the food tables, the 300 to 400 attendees stroll around the farm, witnessing our successes and troubles, and many wind up at the Hen House, where our hens remind them that they expect the leftovers.

While we all enjoy the fabulous food, music, and chef demos, the ticket sales support Green Corn's mission of installing organic food gardens in backyards--typically for folks in our East Austin neighborhood, who lack access to nutritious food. The residents help with the installation, learning as they go, and they receive mentoring from the GCP volunteers through each season.

It's a great party for all involved, and with the proceeds, Green Corn can help with hunger in our community, one garden at a time.