Bringing tasty back: Coppell Farmers Market fundraiser offers fresh feast

Marthe Stinton, mstinton@starlocalnews.com

There's something about seeing a fresh, homegrown, juicy tomato nestled in a basket surrounded by leafy greens at a local farmers market that inspires the most amazing culinary creations. Maybe it's memories of growing up in a small rural Texas town or following the new trend of shopping local. Either way, the Coppell Farmers Market -- complete with 32 vendors and visited by 1,300 people last year -- is holding a fundraiser that will tickle the taste buds with homegrown goodness amped up with master chef flare.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 100 lucky ticketholders will not only be in for a culinary treat but will feast their eyes on a grand table set for kings and queens, dotted with fruits and vegetables grown by neighbors, friends and farmers alike. The Farm to Table Dinner is being billed as a chance for guests to honor the face and taste of local food and according to Karen Pearsall, chair of the Coppell Farmers Market and is the only fundraiser for the market all year.

"We hope to raise awareness of our local food system by featuring it in a fabulous six-course dinner that will strengthen relationships between the farmers and producers and their customers," Pearsall said. We had heard of these types of dinners so when one of our vendors -- Robby and Victoria Hooker, who are also chefs and instructors at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Dallas -- offered to help organize and prepare the dinner last year, we jumped at the opportunity."

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the market and to make the event even more aesthetically pleasing, the dinner will be held in the Coppell Community Garden, where a new menu will be introduced. The menu will showcase fresh ingredients and the culinary skills of the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Dallas.

The six-course dinner will be paired with chef-produced beer and wines from the Calais and Blue Ostrich wineries. Each course will highlight fresh, local, seasonal ingredients donated by the farmers and producers from the market, who will be introduced to guests at the dinner.

But for those who miss out on the $100 per person fundraising dinner, there are other ways to treat yourself to some local fare. Visiting the farmers market will allow residents to meet the vendors and try some new recipes of their own.

"I think one of the best things about our farmers market is that the farmer and producer are at the market, selling their products," Pearsall said. "You can visit with them about what they grow, how they grow it, how long they've been a farmer, etc. Most of the produce is picked either the night before or early that morning so you know it's fresh."

Amanda Vanhoozier, community programs supervisor for the city of Coppell, said the Coppell Farmers Market Committee helped develop the dinner to feature the farmers, producers and chefs and expects a large turnout for this year's market.

"We will be doing a market count for this year in June," she said. "For the last two years, there were about 1,300 customers on a given Saturday. We think the count is going to be closer to 2,000 this year."

The SNAP program, formerly known as the food stamp program, is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, Pearsall said, the market now has the ability to accept SNAP or Lone Star cards making farm fresh fruits and veggies more accessible to customers of all income levels. Other ways to help the friendly farmers in the neighborhood is to stay informed.

"Purchasing their products is obviously the most direct way to support the local farmers," Pearsall said, "But, you can also stay informed on proposed legislation and call or e-mail your senator or congressman when there's a bill making its way through the system that could either help or hurt the smaller family farms."

Proceeds from the dinner will support the continued acceptance of Lone Star food stamp cards at the Coppell Farmers Market and additional market promotions, according to a press release. Tickets may be purchased on Saturdays at the market picnic table area during market hours or online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3120145439/auto

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