Food Prosperity Central hosted an open house event at the Yelm Community Center Saturday, giving visitors a chance to interact with local farmers and organizations to get firsthand knowledge on topics such as composting and backyard permaculture.
“There are many reasons why I decided to take up organic farming, but the main reason was I didn’t want corporations making my food choices,” said Susie Kyle, founder of Food Prosperity Central. “So I grew 2 acres of certified organic potatoes, and I fell in love with farming.”
Amy Malik talks about projects supported by Food Prosperity Central during an event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
It has since become her mission to educate the community through local events highlighting efforts to preserve farmlands and grow the farming industry in Yelm and surrounding areas.
“I began organic farming in 1995 under the umbrella of preserving our farmlands and protecting our food supply,” Kyle said. “Now I’ve had people from Pacific County and other areas asking me if I would come to talk about it there.”
Karla Broschinski, of Bee Forever Apiary talks about the benefits of honey during a Food Prosperity Central event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
The event on Saturday featured guest speakers from the region teaching topics including fermentation and the “Secret Life of a Beekeeper.”
“I used to give classes from out of my home, and they were always full and crowded,” said Karla Broschinski, of Bee Forever Apiary. “I think it’s great, people want to experience and learn, and that it brought people here.”
Some vendors found themselves struggling to keep shelves stocked as attendees filled their trunks with local produce. Mari Mankamyer, owner of Mari’s Farm, shared an embrace with her mother after selling out of spinach and spring mix during the event.
Susie Kyle, founder of Food Prosperity Central, talks about food she prepares in collaboration with her daughters gardening and farming during an event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
“Food Prosperity Central is different than a farmers market because this is about involving the community in all sorts of things not just growing food,” Mankamyer said. “We’ve had good sales at the farmers market in the past but it’s always good to get your name out there.”
Learn more about Food Prosperity Central online at www.foodprosperitycentral.org.
Projects supported by Food Prosperity Central sit on display during an event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
Sunflower Sprouts from Mari’s Farm sit on display during a Food Prosperity Central event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
Jennifer Akerman looks on as a vendor shows off product during a Food Prosperity Central event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
Wooden toys sit on display during a Food Prosperity Central event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.
From left to right, Susie Kyle, Doreen Pairer, and Amy Malik pose for a photo during a Food Prosperity Central event hosted at the Yelm Community Center Saturday afternoon.