Bike tour of gardens set for Friday
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on May 12, 2011 1:46 PM
A "movement" that has been gaining momentum across Goldsboro for several years will take another step forward Friday, as members of the Wayne Food Initiative host a bike tour of local community gardens.
And event organizers hope to draw a crowd, so they can continue to educate the masses on the benefits of creating healthy eating choices through a local food supply.
"It'll be a pleasant ride," said Shorlette Ammons, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' community foods systems outreach coordinator. "Our main thing is we want people to know what's going on in the area."
Like at the Wayne County Public Library garden, one of the first community garden projects to capture the imagination of local residents -- the ride will start from that location at 5 p.m.
"Then we'll hit the road with a police escort," Ms. Ammons said.
And after stops at the W.A. Foster Center, Dillard Academy and the Freedom Farm, those who participate will have the opportunity to do a little shopping.
Before ending the 4-mile ride back at the library, the crowd will make one final stop at the Plum Tree Marketplace. Vendors will be on hand with locally grown produce and more and a truck will follow those who ride to help transport riders' groceries.
"So we're encouraging people to bring their baskets," Ms. Ammons said.
And by the end of the experience, the hope, at least, is that even more awareness is raised about the benefits of creating -- and eating -- a sustainable local food supply.
"I'm totally encouraged by what's been going on for the last few years," Ms. Ammons said. "I'm so encouraged and I think part of the reason for our success ... is that we're starting with young people ... and the most marginalized folks."