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| Click here to see our Garbage to Garden class at The Kids' Table. |
About Us
Purple Asparagus educates children, families, and the
community about eating that’s good for the body and the
planet. We bring delicious, nutritious hands-on adventures
to schools, community organizations, and farmers markets
throughout Chicagoland.
We believe that…
Through a combination of formal and informal education
programs, Purple Asparagus reaches children and their
families across Chicagoland.
For a list of all of our past accomplishments click here.
Our Story
Purple Asparagus is the dream of Melissa Graham, a former
attorney who found more joy in the kitchen than the
courtroom. These days, in addition to serving as Purple
Asparagus' "Head Spear," Melissa is a chef dedicated to
sustaining our local food systems and teaching, a regular
contributor to The Sustainable Cook (thelocalbeet.com) and
Kiwi Magazine's Kiwilog (kiwimagonline.com/kiwilog), a
prolific blogger (LittleLocavores.blogspot.com), but most
importantly, she's mom to the littlelocavore himself, Thor, a.
k.a., the "Red Carrot." He is every day's pivot point. This is
for him ... and for all of our children.
With a board of equally dedicated farmers, community
organizers, advocates, and food aficionados, Purple
Asparagus aims to change the way our children, and by
extension, our families and communities, relate to food and
all things associated with it.
Purple Asparagus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation funded
through individual and corporate donations and grants. For
more information about supporting Purple Asparagus's
programs, please contact Melissa Graham, Head Spear, at 773-
991-1920.
2012 Board of Directors
Melissa Graham, Founding Executive Director
Erika Reff Vogel, Chair
Stephen Landfear, Vice Chair
Amanda Sudimack
Sara Gasbarra
Trisha Reynolds
Kay Christ
Elena Marre
Gary Wiviott
Nora Gainer
Seneca Kern
Jamie Revord
Jill Houk
Public Relations Team
Media - Shannan Bunting, Solstice Communications
E-Newsletter - Erin Sarris, Spun Copy & Creative
Social Media - Veronica Katz
Purple Asparagus educates children, families, and the
community about eating that’s good for the body and the
planet. We bring delicious, nutritious hands-on adventures
to schools, community organizations, and farmers markets
throughout Chicagoland.
We believe that…
- Eating "close to the ground" is good.
- By incorporating different fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains into our diets (and eating fewer
processed foods), we're well on our way to reducing
obesity and developing healthier lifestyles.
- Adding enjoyment to a child’s diet is essential to the
battle against obesity.
- Raising awareness and teaching practical skills enables
families to enjoy cooking together (it's so much fun).
- Experiencing the food of other cultures promotes
peace, tolerance and understanding.
- Forging a meaningful connection with local farmers
and producers fosters respect for the earth and for
community.
- Bringing children and families back to the table
strengthens the bonds of family, no matter how
extended.
Through a combination of formal and informal education
programs, Purple Asparagus reaches children and their
families across Chicagoland.
- In 2009-10, Purple Asparagus provided more than 125
hours of free educational programming to
approximately 5000 parents and children.
- In 2010-11, we're on track to provide more than 250
hours of programming.
For a list of all of our past accomplishments click here.
Our Story
Purple Asparagus is the dream of Melissa Graham, a former
attorney who found more joy in the kitchen than the
courtroom. These days, in addition to serving as Purple
Asparagus' "Head Spear," Melissa is a chef dedicated to
sustaining our local food systems and teaching, a regular
contributor to The Sustainable Cook (thelocalbeet.com) and
Kiwi Magazine's Kiwilog (kiwimagonline.com/kiwilog), a
prolific blogger (LittleLocavores.blogspot.com), but most
importantly, she's mom to the littlelocavore himself, Thor, a.
k.a., the "Red Carrot." He is every day's pivot point. This is
for him ... and for all of our children.
With a board of equally dedicated farmers, community
organizers, advocates, and food aficionados, Purple
Asparagus aims to change the way our children, and by
extension, our families and communities, relate to food and
all things associated with it.
Purple Asparagus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation funded
through individual and corporate donations and grants. For
more information about supporting Purple Asparagus's
programs, please contact Melissa Graham, Head Spear, at 773-
991-1920.
2012 Board of Directors
Melissa Graham, Founding Executive Director
Erika Reff Vogel, Chair
Stephen Landfear, Vice Chair
Amanda Sudimack
Sara Gasbarra
Trisha Reynolds
Kay Christ
Elena Marre
Gary Wiviott
Nora Gainer
Seneca Kern
Jamie Revord
Jill Houk
Public Relations Team
Media - Shannan Bunting, Solstice Communications
E-Newsletter - Erin Sarris, Spun Copy & Creative
Social Media - Veronica Katz
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| Bringing Delicious Nutritious AdventuresTM to you! |
| Purple Asparagus is a non-profit that educates children, families, and the community about eating that's good for the body and the planet. |
2011 Chicago Tribune Good Eating Award Winner
(C) 2011 Purple Asparagus