Since then, the program has distributed 519,210 pounds of produce in 34,000+ food boxes — that’s more than two blue whales, which, by the way, is the largest animal known to have ever existed. Each box includes “10-12 varieties of top-quality fruits and vegetables that are sourced as locally + seasonally as possible.” Additionally, every box is equipped with a recipe card, either in English or Spanish, that helps recipients create simple, delicious dishes with the produce in their box.
For some Greenvillians, buying healthy food is neither convenient nor affordable, but these boxes strive to provide a systemic solution to healthy food insecurity in our community. Recently, Mill Village Farms also launched a virtual community cooking show on Facebook Live called Fresh Out of the Box.
This show provides FoodShare box recipients access to professional culinary instruction (from the likes of Jordan Johnson of OJ’s Diner and Chef Bill Twaler of the Truist Culinary and Hospitality Innovation Center at Greenville Tech) and some entertainment. While the focus will be on the ingredients distributed in the most recent FoodShare box, any and all members of the community are invited to participate.
So, how can you get involved? If you, someone you know, or an organization you work with in the community could benefit from a FoodShare box, you can sign up or get additional information here. If you would like to donate to the cause, consider participating in Mill Village Farm’s upcoming Winter Blues Culinary Concertfrom the comfort of your own home on Thurs., Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. You’ll get to cook and enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by musical entertainment from Blues singer-songwriter L.C. Branch live from the Peace Center.
Looking for a more hands-on opportunity? Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Mill Village Farms here.
Pass the peas please, and share this with anyone you know who may be in need of affordable + accessible healthy food. 🥕
NEWS NOTES
Weather ○ 48º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
BlackHistoryMonth ○ Glenis Redmond, a self-proclaimed native of nowhere, logs over 35,000 miles a year preaching poetry across the country. Glenis attended Woodmont Junior and Senior High Schools here in town and even founded the first Greenville Poetry Slam in 1995. You can learn more about her story + work here.
ComingSoon ○ The new AC Hotel at 315 S. Main St. +Paloma, the Spanish inspired restaurant on the first floor of the hotel, will be opening on Mon., Feb. 22. Although waiting for great things is tough, it has also been announced that Juniper,the hotel’srooftop bar, and Press Room, the speakeasy, will be opening on April 21. Hang tight, Greenville.🍸
Development ○ Union Bleachery Mill, which was founded in 1902, is looking at anew mixed-use project closeby, according to a Florida-based developer. This project would bring a number of townhomes, restaurants, 10 miles of trails, and retail space to the Sans Souci area northwest of downtown. Read more here. (Greenville News)
NowOpen ○ Bakova Gallery is #NowOpen to the public every Friday from 12-8 p.m. at 46 Lois Ave. in the Village of West Greenville. The gallery is described asa “diverse collection of imaginative and culturally relevant exhibitions from contemporary to pop art to traditional fine art.”
WaterCooler ○ Have you heard? The Panthers might trade Christian McCaffrey and three first-round draft picks for former Clemson Tiger Deshaun Watson. Clickhere to learn more about this bold prediction from ESPN NFL Nation team reporter David Newton. 🏈 (247 Sports)
State ○ Benedict College alumna + civil rights leader Septima Poinsette Clark will be featured on a collectible coin from the US Mint.The $1 coin highlights Clark and three Black students carrying books with the American flag behind them. The back of the coin features the Statue of Liberty. This coin is part of the American Innovation collection in the mint’s H.I.P. Pocket Change kids’ series.
FeelGood ○ If you have any gently used coats that are in need of a good home, consider donating them to The Vintage Barber located at 7 W. Washington St. Owner Lauren leaves a coat rack out front daily to allow neighbors in need to grab any cold weather items they are missing. They are also collecting scarves, hats, gloves, and new socks.💈
Health ○ The South Carolina Hospital Association is currentlyhosting a state-wide phone bank to help residents enroll for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The phone bank will be available on Mondays from noon to 7 p.m. through May 15 and can be reached at (803) 988-9007. ☎️ (WIS)
Coronavirus ○ VisitSCDHEC’s website for full coronavirus data + stats, andhere for daily positive COVID-19 cases + related deaths in South Carolina.
Cause ○ The YMCA of Greenville has expanded itsfood relief outreach program — born from the critical need exacerbated by COVID-19 and job loss in 2020 — in the Taylors/Greer communities; planning to deliver 60+ bags of food/week to families. Community members can support via donations or volunteering (email William Coates). Ⓟ
Tech ○ Calling all the “gotta close my rings” folks: Fitness trackers or smart watches have become a popular way to keep track of your heart rate + activity level. But are they accurate? Cardiac electrophysiologist Benjamin Holmes, MD, provides some insight. ⌚Ⓟ
Beauty ○ Want luxury lashes without the hassle or high cost of extensions? Thrive Causemetics’ 5-starLiquid Lash Extensions Mascara™ gives lashes voluminous length while using nourishing ingredients that also create healthier lashes over time.Get 15% off all Thrive products here. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
While we’re all a little bummed we won’t be sitting down to enjoy Hamilton at the Peace Center here in the next couple of weeks, the famous Greenville venue is opening their Concert Hall for a different performance of a lifetime — yours.
During the month of March, you and yours can elope on center stage. For $2,250, you can rent the Peace Center’s Concert Hall for two hours for up to 18 guests. Interested in learning more? Fill out this form, and the Peace Center will contact you.
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ForTeens ○Teen Cuisine: Chocolate Dipped Treats| Wed., Feb. 17 | 10-10:15 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn how to make quick, easy, and delicious chocolate dipped treats. 🍫
Edu ○ We’re Landing on Mars | Wed., Feb. 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Virtual | Free, register here | Learn some facts about Mars + what to expect for the new rover’s landing on Thursday. 🚀 ○ Lunchbox Learning | Wed., Feb. 17 | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual or in-person at the Upcountry History Museum | Free for UHM members or $5 for non-members | Listen to journalist Claudia Smith Brinson share the intimate stories of some of the 150+ civil rights activists she has interviewed.
Dish ○ Charcuterie Board Building Class & Wine Pairing| Wed., Feb. 17 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mountain Brook Vineyards, 731 Phillips Dairy Rd., Tryon | $40+|Sip wine while learning how to prepare an Instagram worthy charcuterie board.🧀
Show ○ Open Mic Comedy| Wed., Feb. 17 | 8 p.m. | The Radio Room, 110 Poinsett Hwy. | Free entry | Find out what’s so funny at The Radio Room’s open mic night. 🎤
Active ○ Yoga with Veterans | Wed., Feb. 17 | 6 p.m. | 1801 Rutherford Rd. | Free | Find some calm and a deep stretch in this class for veterans.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
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Answered:Yesterday, we asked you what it meant if a town was considered “great for singles,” and 81% of you said that you thought it meant “it’s a great place to enjoy the single life.”
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