Two Texas nonprofits are putting on a fundraiser in downtown San Antonio to raise funds for and awareness about regional chefs, farmers, ranchers, and artisan food-makers. On October 20, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and the Council for Healthy Food Systems will debut the Chefs for Local Farmers dinner from 7:30-10:30 pm at the UTSA Southwest Campus, 300 Augusta St.

Event organizers said the Chefs for Local Farmers dinner will support efforts to advocate for independent family farmers and ranchers, and provide education to farmers and the consumers who buy their products.

More than one dozen local chefs have been tapped to prepare dishes using ingredients grown by Texas’ independent ranchers and farmers and artisan food makers, the release said. FARFA development director Lindsay Gonzales said event organizers are inviting guests who want to help FARFA and CHFS to expand their impact, capture the imagination of people who enjoy quality, locally sourced food, and pay tribute to local farms, food producers, and chefs.

“Independent farmers can't do what they're doing without the support of FARFA because the system is set to only support big agriculture. Our goal is to celebrate, protect, promote and educate about what it takes to have healthy and diverse food systems,” Gonzales said in a statement.

The event will have a mix-and-mingle format to include cocktails, tapas-style dishes, guest speakers, a raffle, and an opportunity to meet participating local chefs, farmers, ranchers, and artisan makers. A VIP cocktail reception will kick things off from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, involving board members and supporters of San Antonio nonprofit Chef Cooperatives, and renowned chefs including Stephen Paprocki, Teddy Liang, Chris Cook, Joseph Thadeus Martinez, and Toby Soto.

The main event will involve farm-fresh dishes, local beer, wine, teas, and more. Outgoing State Representative Eddie Rodriguez, founder of the Farm-to-Table Caucus in the State House of Representatives, will offer a few words.

Participating chefs include James Canter of Guerrilla Gourmet, Chris Cook of Special Leaf Tea and Chef Cooperatives, Jason Garcia of Il Forno, Elizabeth Johnson of Pharm Table, Teddy Liang of Chef Cooperatives, Jesse “Kirk” Kuykendall of Ocho at Hotel Havana and Milpa at the Yard, Anne Ng and Jeremy Mandrell of Bakery Lorraine, Joseph Thadeus Martinez of Tributary and Chef Cooperatives, Stephen Paprocki of Chef Cooperatives, Jenn Riessman of Rooster Crow Baking, Joe Saenz of Swine House, Mariah Scott, a personal chef and participant on Gordon Ramsey's “Next Level Chef,” Michael Sohocki of Kimura, Toby Soto of Humo and Chef Cooperatives, and Ceasar Zepeda of Sangria on the Burg and Alamo Biscuit Company.

Nearly 20 Texas farmers, ranchers, and local artisan food producers are to be featured at the benefit, including Green Bexar Farm, River Whey Creamery, Behind the Oaks Farm, Peeler Farms and Talking Tree Farm. Each chef will be paired with at least one independent family farmer to create small plates that “excel at highlighting each chef’s strengths and each farmer’s passion for sustainably-grown food,” says the release. Beverages will be provided by local makers Infamous Brewing Company, Texas Keeper Cider, Violet Crown Spirits, William Chris Vineyards, and Catspring Yaupon Tea.

Attendees will get to enter a drawing to win prizes, such as a private catered dinner made with locally-sourced ingredients, an Airbnb vacation rental in the Texas Hill Country, and farm tours.

Ticket prices vary by level and range from $150 to $350. Each benefit ticket includes one raffle ticket.

  

Courtesy Lindsay Gonzales/Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance

Schertz-based Behind the Oaks Farm will be featured in the October 20 Chefs for Local Farmers dinner fundraiser in San Antonio.

  

Courtesy Lindsay Gonzales/Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance

Houston-based personal chef Mariah Scott, who appeared on Gordon Ramsey's Next Level Chef.