On Saturday, February 12 (snow date: February 13), from noon to 4 p.m., Slow Food Northern NJ will hold its third-annual Local Harvest: Farms, Food, and Family, at the Cultural Center, 300 Mendham Road (Route 510), Morris Township.  Sponsored by Slow Food in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission, which oversees 37 parks on more than 17,000 acres of preserved open space in northern NJ, the event will bring together local farmers and food artisans for an afternoon of sampling and purchasing.  Visitors can purchase seasonal vegetables and fruit, grass-fed and finished beef and pork, poultry, eggs, cheese, breads, teas, and prepared foods from local growers and producers while learning about Community Supported Agriculture and how to purchase seasonal farm shares at the Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm, Griggstown Quail Farm, and Rogowski Farm.

Participants in the day’s events include Bobolink Dairy and Bakeyard, Valley Shepherd Creamery, Appleridge Farm, Best Fruit Farm, Donna & Company Artisan Chocolates, and Arthur & Friends, an entrepreneurial training program for adults with disabilities, which sells locally grown organic hydroponic greens. Displays about Northern NJ’s agricultural past from Fosterfields Living Historical Farm’s interpretive display on early farm life, sustainable farming, and heritage breeds will round out the program.

Slow Food Northern NJ is dedicated to spreading awareness and nurturing appreciation of slowing down to enjoy healthful, locally grown food by connecting New Jersey residents with earth-friendly farmers, chefs, and food makers. The goal of Slow Food Northern NJ is to develop school gardens in every town in northern NJ. A two-dollar suggested donation will go to support those gardens.

For more information, visit SlowFoodNNJ.org. Overflow parking and a shuttle bus will be available at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, just off County Route 510. For snow closing information, call 973-326-7645. For more information about the Morris County Park Commission, visit MorrisParks.net.