“I just wanted to thank everyone at the Gladstone and across the city for their initial and ongoing support for local farmers and our communities through Harvest Wednesdays. The more the support the better. We’ve all been growing our awareness for the importance of local connections for our food sources and Harvest Wednesdays helps new connections to grow and strengthen existing ones as well. The events are fun, delicious and learning about some of the farms and businesses connecting us with local agriculture is always good for my soul. Thanks and hope to see you at one of the tastings.”

Julia Hitchcock, Shaun Eby, Dan Riegler | Underground Organics |

“Harvest Wednesdays are a fantastic opportunity to meet other like-minded groups and organizations in the city, as well as producers who are skillfully making the dream a reality in and around the city. We’re delighted to have become a regular part of the Tastings where we’re sure to meet new people who are excited about what we do and to have the chance to meet with others in the field in the great atmosphere provided by the Gladstone. We’re looking forward to having our fresh fruit used in this year’s menu to see what Chef Marc Breton comes up with!”

Laura Reinsborough | Not Far From The Tree |

“Participating in the Harvest Wednesday events last season was a great experience for us. We were able to meet and talk with other farmers. If not for this event, we would not have that opportunity. It also gave us a chance to chat with people in the community outside of the farmers market setting, allowing for a more relaxed and, hopefully, informative interaction.”

Hanna Jacobs | Matchbox Garden and Seed Co. |

Sometimes, I think getting people to care about sustainability and rebuilding local food systems is an impossible task. But then, I’m reminded of the proverb: ” A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It is nice to know that there are businesses (like the Gladstone Hotel) and people (like Slow Food Toronto) who really do care. As farmers, it is great to have companions taking those first, single steps with us. Maybe we can walk those thousand miles after all.

Morris Gervais | Barrie Hill Farms |

I love Harvest Wednesdays! It is such a great boost for smaller local producers and it extends a big hand in our joint efforts of getting the word out on seasonal, sustainable, and delicious eating. This is the 4th season supplying the Gladstone with shares from our CSA and we are looking forward to many, many more seasons of working together.

Sherry Patterson | Chick-A-Biddy Acres CSA |

“Events like Gladstone’s Harvest Wednesdays gives a farmer a much needed reminder of why we do those early morning/late evening chores (which all too often bookend long days of physical labour in the hot July sun – or cold, late October rains!). The conviviality, the attention to detail in the food served, and the opportunity to meet new people with an vested interest in keeping small Ontario farms profitable is what makes this event so very special.”

Mark Trealout | Kawartha Ecological Growers |

Harvest Wednesdays provides a forum for local food initiatives to thrive within our urban community and its borders, connects us with the dedicated producers who nourish us and creates opportunities for fruitful networks that ensure a sustainable future. The bounty of the season is reflected in chef’s vibrant dishes that delight the senses and showcase the gifts from our local farms, food producers, wineries and breweries. Gladstone’s Harvest Wednesdays is a celebration of our local food culture which continues to energize and inspire us to play an active role in supporting our local sustainable producers.

…Looking forward to a fourth season!

Miriam Streiman – Harvest Wednesdays Outreach Coordinator