Building Community in the Field

 Contributed by Carol Ruiz, Principal, NewGround PR & Marketing 

There’s a lot of talk these days about the freshness and quality of farm-to-table meals, but what really can’t be beat is when the table is located right on the farm itself. A growing phenomenon called “dinners in the field” or “harvest dinners” provides just that experience – a dinner specially created from ingredients harvested that day by a well-regarded local chef is served at a communal table right on the farm.

While local farms and producers organize many of these dinners in the field, one company has expanded the concept across two continents. For more than a decade, the folks at Outstanding in the Field have partnered with prominent chefs and local farmers and ranchers to host dinners in the field, starting first in Northern California and expanding across North America and into Europe. Their 2012 North American Tour features dinners in 34 states and 3 provinces, many of which are already sold out.

These dinners in the field have a natural appeal to foodies, but have the potential to be a transformative experience for all who participate. Dining on a farm increases the awareness of where food comes from and a deeper appreciation of the connection between the production of ingredients and the consumption of a meal. In addition, the deeper beauty of dinners in the field lies not just in the pastoral surroundings or the just-picked fresh foods on the table – it’s in the sense of community and conviviality that comes with dining with friends and others who appreciate the pleasure of a great meal. Listen/read NPR’s story here.

To find a harvest dinner near you, browse the list created by Eating Well magazine or search for a family farm near you.