First annual ‘Open House' to Highlight Food and Farms of northwest Jersey

Sussex County — On Sept. 9, the “Buy Fresh Buy Local” campaign will celebrate the farms, farmers, and food of northwest New Jersey. For $10 a person or $25 for a family or carload of three to five people, visitors can take part in tours and tastings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a choice of 10 of northwest New Jersey’s most productive, diverse, and scenic farms. They will learn about how food is grown and raised, get to know local farmers, enjoy sampling the food fresh from the fields, and gain an appreciation for farmers. For lunch visitors can stop at a participating restaurant and enjoy a meal made with ingredients grown and raised by the farmers, buy a bag lunch at the farms, or bring their own and have a picnic. To cap the day there will be a Local Food Celebration, Cook out and Benefit Dinner, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. $25 a plate, adults, $10 for 15 years and under. Registration for tours and benefit dinner are separate, so visitors can attend both or just one. Funds raised support work to create a future for farming and locally grown food in New Jersey.  The campaign is coordinated by the Northwest N.J “Buy Fresh Buy Local” campaign with Foodshed Alliance and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ. Support and sponsorship is provided by Whole Foods Market, Garden Plate Magazine, and Jersey Fresh. For more information and registration, visit www.BuyFreshNWJ.org or call 908-362-7967, preferably by Aug. 25.