SOUTHMINSTER TO CELEBRATE SECOND ANNIVERSARY WITH FRIENDSHIP GARDENS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Program Supports Regional Culinary Community as a Network Garden for Friendship Trays; Executive Chef Reid Recognized for Leadership with Dining Services Award from State Association
Charlotte, N.C., June XX, 2013 – Next month, Southminster (Southminster.org), a leading, charitable, non-profit continuing care retirement community, will celebrate its second anniversary as a key contributor of Friendship Gardens (Friendship-Gardens.org), a network of community gardens supplying fresh produce to Friendship Trays, the largest Meals-On-Wheels program in Mecklenburg County.
With its 1,200 sq. ft. “Chef’s Garden” founded in July 2011, Chef Kristine Reid launched the initiative between the two organizations. In addition to supporting the culinary community, the garden is also one of the largest collaborative projects within the Southminster community as residents tend to the garden to grow a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. More than 60% of the produce harvested is donated to Friendship Gardens; and in the past two years, more than 1,000 pounds of produce was donated to Friendship Trays.
“We love our partnership with Southminster,” said Henry Owen, Friendship Gardens Program Director. “Chef Kris, her staff, and the resident garden volunteers have shown that they care deeply about eating fresh, healthy food and that they want to ensure that all people have access to healthy food.”
Reid was recently recognized for her transforming perspective, energy and vibrancy in the culinary industry, including this initiative, during the annual LeadingAge N.C. Spring Conference in Asheville from May 13-16 at the Grove Park Inn, where she received one of the highest accolades with the Dining Services Award. LeadingAge N.C. is the state association of not-for-profit providers dedicated to providing quality care, housing, health, community and related services to the elderly.
“Under Chef Kris’s leadership, Southminster has become a dining destination for residents, family members, prospects and guests,” said David Lacy, Southminster Executive Director. “She is a dynamic leader who has placed Southminster’s dining experience on Charlotte’s culinary map, and we could not be prouder.”