Hyper-local food featured in farm fundraiser at Ridgewood Ranch * The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA
WILLITS, CA., 12/6/24 — December is a time for good food, and all the better if that food is sourced from your neighbors. On Tuesday, December 10, the Good Farm Fund is hosting its 8th Annual Winter Feast at Ridgewood Ranch, just south of Willits, from 5-9 p.m. A perennial favorite among local food enthusiasts, the event is back after taking a hiatus last year. Beloved by many, it has sold out every year in the past, so be sure to get your tickets now.
The Good Farm Fund, a fiscally sponsored project of North Coast Opportunities, was founded in 2015 with the goal of providing direct support to small farmers in Mendocino and Lake counties and increasing local food security for underserved members of the community. The organization has awarded over $400,000 in capacity-building grants to over 60 farms and ranches and has provided $35,000 and counting to Market Match at Mendocino and Lake County farmers markets.
The menu is being designed and executed by a team of local volunteer chefs led by Caroline Radice of Black Dog Farm Catering. Radice collaborates with Tamara Adams of Emandal Farm, Jason Pluck of Caring Kitchen Project, Erica Schneider of Fogeater Café, Caroline Rehberger of Flying Dog Pizza, Ryo Muto of Hatake Farm Kitchen, and chef Janelle Weaver, former owner of the Bewildered Pig. “It’s a collaborative effort – a fun group project by a bunch of local chefs who love to cook together,” says Radice, who cofounded the Good Farm Fund.
The menu will feature Mulligan Gardens’ pastured chicken pot pie, complemented by a vegan version from Fogeater Café. A “potluck salad” is promised, showcasing ingredients sourced from “as many local farms in Lake and Mendocino counties as possible,” according to Radice. Guests can also enjoy a selection of appetizers, Reza’s Breadery focaccia, and a dessert prepared by Emandal Farm, including ice cream made with honey from Carson and Bees.
Matt Rowland Events will transform the Ridgewood Ranch dining hall into a festive space with cozy lighting, while on-site farms including the Golden Rule Garden and Headwaters Grazing are donating produce and volunteers to round out the event.
For the first time, this will be a sober occasion; no alcohol will be served. Chef Bridget Harrington, former owner of Patrona Restaurant, will be creating several crafted mocktails using county favorites such as teas from the Mendocino Tea Company, kombucha from Mendocino Ferments, and local produce, herbs, and spices. “We are grateful to the many local wineries that support us, and this year we just wanted to try something new,” says Good Farm Fund steering committee member Elizabeth Archer.
Redwood Credit Union, a longtime supporter of the Good Farm Fund, has created a $10,000 matching challenge for this event. This can be met through ticket sales, the silent auction, and a live funding “ask” conducted by local auctioneer Rachel Britten, whose energetic style is always a hit with the crowd.
In addition to the numerous farms that are donating ingredients and the army of volunteers who make it all happen, event sponsors include Ukiah Natural Foods Co-Op, Mariposa Market, Blue Zones, and Aum Construction. “Sponsors are so important to keeping the event affordable for everyone,” explains Radice. “We literally couldn’t do it without them.”
