Elburn garlic farm to host free cooking class at Aurora urban farm Aug. 12

On Saturday, Aug. 12, Garlic Breath Farm of Elburn will offer "The Garlic Show," a free outdoor cooking class, at Marie's Garden Kitchen, 835 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora.

The public is invited to this free program from 6 to 8 p.m.

The outdoor kitchen is part of an urban farm sponsored by Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, 834 N. Highland Ave.

Garlic Breath co-owners Sharon and Tony Pferschy will demonstrate garlic-based recipes, share garlic health benefits and detail their sustainable farming practices.

For more information, call (630) 897-5431 or email relations@mwfoodpantry.org.

In April, the pantry unveiled a Veterans' Victory Garden at the pantry's community garden and urban farm at 835 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora.

The pantry transformed a half-acre lot that once was occupied by five houses into a community garden that grows produce donated to the pantry.

Charity Blooms, an Aurora nonprofit, has managed the garden since 2018, calling it an urban farm homestead.

Garden members each have their own plots. Members partner to help care for common areas. Seasoned local gardeners, farmers and University of Illinois Extension educators are guest advisers.

The property includes a 500 square-foot greenhouse, solar power, a large outdoor kitchen, entertainment space with seating for 32, an aviary, a monarch butterfly education area, pollinator gardens with bee hotel, self-paced activities and automated composting.

Volunteers teach gardening classes for all ages, host private gatherings and public events.

Garden manager Rob Vaughn said he and two friends founded Charity Blooms to help others by starting a non-profit farm.

"Today, we manage multiple properties across Aurora," Vaughn said. "Our goal is to provide free, fresh produce to our community. We have no paid staff or experience in agriculture. Just a passion for helping others."

Visit Charity Blooms at www.charityblooms.org or email info@mwfoodpantry.org for more information.