Join the Marigold Mingle: Fundraising for Essential Food Programs with the Marigold Collective

Winterville’s Marigold Collective works to connect people with fresh, local food. This nonprofit promotes food sovereignty through community markets, educational programs, a farmer co-op, and a shared kitchen. On Saturday, April 19, they’ll host their first fundraiser, Marigold Mingle, featuring local music and delicious food at the Marigold Auditorium.

The evening will include performances by Cicada Rhythm, Wet Meadows, and the Athens Cowboy Choir. Attendees can enjoy tasty bites like bratwurst from Nature’s Harvest Meat Company. There’s a VIP option with priority seating, light refreshments, and a special tour of the Winterville Cultural Center and Marigold Auditorium, hosted by Mayor Dodd Ferrelle and artist Cameron Bliss.

The Marigold Collective started as a community market in 2019 and grew thanks to COVID grants and city support. Last year, they officially became a nonprofit, expanding their programs to include nutrition education and outreach. The funds raised from the Mingle will support these initiatives.

In partnership with Wholesome Wave Georgia, the collective recently engaged with Winterville Elementary School to create hands-on learning experiences. They organized classroom visits with farmers who demonstrated how to grow food. Kids got to see a beehive, taste fruits like pawpaws, and even participate in a mini market at school. “It’s all about making lessons come alive,” said Katrina Ohstrom, the collective’s communications director. They’re looking to expand these programs to reach older grades in the future.

This year, the Marigold Collective has launched a new program with Piedmont and St. Mary’s hospitals, providing locally-grown food packages for lifestyle coach patients. This initiative includes guidance on preparing fresh produce. They are also developing a farmer co-op to ensure a wider variety of produce is available at markets, benefitting both farmers and the community.

The collective focuses on food justice and sovereignty, ensuring local communities have access to nutritious foods. Most farmers involved use organic methods, and the collective actively works to keep agricultural land productive. They purchase unsold produce to redistribute and have even received grants for zero waste initiatives, including a worm composting facility.

As they look ahead, the Marigold Collective is renovating an old blacksmith shop to create a grocery store along the Firefly Trail, improving access for the community. They already offer an online grocery service that showcases Georgia-made products like flour and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Supporting local food systems not only helps promote sustainability but also strengthens community bonds. The Marigold Collective embodies this mission, making strides in nutritional education and providing fresh food options for everyone in Winterville.

Event Details:
Marigold Mingle
Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m.
Marigold Auditorium
Tickets: $25 (advance), $30 (door)

For more information on supporting local food initiatives, check out resources from Wholesome Wave Georgia.

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Marigold Collective