Georgia Southern University’s Zach S. Henderson Library Hosts Farm to Table Dinner

June 9, 2014

Janisse Ray

The Friends of Zach S. Henderson Library in partnership with the Statesboro Main Street Farmers’ Market will host the fifth annual Farm to Table Dinner on Thursday, June 19 featuring environmentalist and author Janisse Ray and Georgia Southern University’s Executive Chef Kevin Case.

The culinary event will raise funds for library research materials for on-campus and community use. Tickets are $75 each with a special price for tables of six and are available by calling the Library at 912-478-5115 or by visiting Chops on Main in downtown Statesboro.

“The Henderson Library Farm to Table partnership with the Main Street Farmers’ Market uses the region’s natural resources to support an educational one,” said Bede Mitchell, dean of the Zach S. Henderson Library.  “The funds we raise will help Henderson Library better support Georgia Southern University’s continually growing research agenda. Our faculty and students are exploring exciting new means of enhancing our nation and world’s quality of life, and they need rich information resources and library services to achieve their mission.”

Ray, author of the award winning book, The Seed Underground which explores open-pollinated seeds, lectures widely on nature, community, agriculture, wildness and sustainability. An organic gardener, seed saver, tender of farm animals and slow-food cook, Ray earned her master’s degree from the University of Montana and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Unity College in Maine. In addition, she is a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. During the event, Ray will share insights from her book, which will be available for purchase.

Paired with select wines by Chef Case, a five-course gourmet meal will also be served featuring local, seasonal produce grown from the heritage seeds described in The Seed Underground. Dishes on the menu include smoked shrimp and cantaloupe soup with yogurt, balsamic and mint goat cheese panna cotta with heirloom tomatoes and arugula with olive oil and black pepper, grilled pork tenderloin with summer peas and basil gremolata, seared New York strip with bleu cheese grits and summer vegetables sauce bordelaise and for dessert, lemon pound cake with fresh blueberries and vanilla bean whipped cream.

In addition, Information Services Librarian Rebecca Ziegler will support the library through the sale of her artworks created from found objects. Raffle tickets for gift baskets also will be sold before the dinner.

The event will be held in the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center Southern Ballroom beginning with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner following at 7 p.m.