Grazefest - celebrating natural food

Yesterday, in 100 degree temperatures with hair tied back and camera in tow, I ventured to downtown Raleigh (yes, crazy I know but so were ~3,000 other people), to attend an outdoor celebration of fresh, local food. The event, Grazefest, was sponsored by the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market. Grazefest is a celebration of grass-fed and pasture-raised foods from North Carolina's small farms.

Enjoy the photos from my trek to Grazefest and a link to my comments in the New and Observer article covering the event. The Raleigh Downtown Farmer's Market is located each week at City Plaza on the 400 block of Fayetteville Street.

The event was a quick, fun and affordable (free) way for natural foodies, families and curious passers-by to learn more about the bounty of natural and organic fruits, veggies, diary, and meats that are available right in our own backyard. Moms, kids and employees on lunch breaks sampled fresh berries, artisan breads, cheeses from Jersey cows, as well as, freshly prepared grass-fed beef. I was too hot to eat much, but I particularly enjoyed talking with farmers about how they raise their produce in sustainable ways that are good for our health and good for the environment.

My food philosophy is that food should taste good, nourish the body and preserve health. Lots of other people are beginning to pay closer attention to their food, and as a result, natural and organic food is gaining popularity for it's unique flavor and outstanding quality. Events like Grazefest, held each year by organization across the nation, helps raise awareness of good food and helps to support local agriculture.