Credit: GreenStar

GreenStar Community Projects and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCE-Tompkins) are hosting a gathering and meal to encourage networking among local food providers and others interested in supporting food justice and food security, Jan. 31, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Tompkins County Public Library, BorgWarner Room, 101 East Green St., Ithaca.

The buffet Caribbean meal will be prepared by chef Startina Bentley, from CCE-Tompkins’ new Food Entrepreneur Program, followed by information about the Ithaca City School District Farm-to-Table Grant; the Youth Farm Project; Y.M.C.A. Healthy Snack Program; Dryden Family Meal Connection; food outreach to immigrant communities; Seed-to-Supper volunteer garden educators; building farm/community connections; affordable local meats; hunting as a sustainable food source; and GreenStar Co-Op expansion plans.

The event will provide opportunities for participants to network with grassroots innovators from the Tompkins County food scene who are working to improve access to healthy food for all, open opportunities for farm and food businesses, create more food gardens, support the local food initiatives and bring vital resources to the area.

The meal, served at 5:30 p.m., is free, but those planning to attend are asked to sign up so the chef can prepare enough food. Questions? Contact Holly Payne at holly@greenstar.coop or 607-277-0200 ext. 509. For more information, see the Facebook page.