In wake of recent hate crimes at its farm, one local brand—FarmerJawn—is hosting a dinner this weekend to counteract the negative events. The “Only Love Grows” dinner is set for this Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Maplewood Mall in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, and everyone is invited to participate in the shared message of the meal.
Christa Barfield launched her organic agricultural and tea company in 2018 after a career of working in healthcare. FarmerJawn Agriculture and Viva Leaf Tea Co., which Barfield defines as “earth-born brands,” aim to reintroduce “farming into the lifestyles of urban people.” The brand’s slogan—Agriculture is Culture—showcases that ideology, and in the past, FarmerJawn has hosted events with local chefs and businesses to get the community involved.
The recent racial and antisemitic vandalism and theft at Barfield’s Westtown School farm in West Chester inspired her to create the “Only Love” dinner series, with the first iteration this past August, and the sophomore edition to kick off at 4 p.m. this Saturday.
The rain or shine event (which goes until 8 p.m.) includes a four-course, family-style farm-to-table dinner, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and a goodie bag filled with local treats. Tickets (inclusive of tax and gratuity) come out to be $135 per person, and the event is also BYOB (anyone under 18 must have an adult accompany them.)
The Maplewood Mall isn’t typically a dinner venue, so the open-air space is quite unique for an experience to this degree. As a release notes, the Maplewood Collective Group—a network of local business owners and residents—commits to creating a supportive and thriving local environment. Through events like this, they collaborate to give back to the community, promote Philly-bred talent, and strengthen the municipal economy.
While there this Saturday, Philadelphians can expect a meal from Barfield and Chef Terrell Allen with dishes that show “the bounty of the land and the passion behind FarmerJawn’s work.” The meal will feature fresh, organic ingredients grown on Barfield’s farm.
“The event is aimed to celebrate community, unity, and the power of love that grows from our farm to our guests’ tables. Rooted in the Only Love Grows theme, this event goes beyond a simple meal amongst neighbors. It represents the idea that love, connection, and nourishment are cultivated through the land and shared experiences,” says Barfield in a statement.
“I am a proud native of Germantown, and I believe in a commitment to sustainable regenerative farming. My passion for giving back to my community drives our mission to provide fresh, organic produce to local communities and promote food sovereignty. This dinner is an extension of that mission — to connect people through the values of love, unity, and shared responsibility for the earth.”
To find out more about FarmerJawn and the ‘Only Love Grows’ event, visit farmerjawn.co
