R.I. Local Food Fest raises $35,000 for local growers

Newport Restaurant Group, a division of Newport Harbor Corp., says its inaugural Rhode Island Local Food Fest – held at the group’s Castle Hill Inn & Resort – raised more than $35,000 for local growers. Money was raised from the ticket sales, the event’s silent auction, and an on-site farmers’ market; Newport Restaurant Group also made a $15,000 in-kind donation in hosting the event.
“Our culinary philosophy at Newport Restaurant Group is firmly rooted in supporting farmers and fishermen throughout our area by using fresh, local, and organic ingredients whenever possible,” said Ken Cusson, director of restaurants for Newport Harbor Corp. “We hope that the success of this event is evidence of this movement becoming more prevalent, both in the restaurant industry and for consumers.”
The farmers’ market featured several Rhode Island farms, including Manic Organic, Maple Wood Farm, Simmons Farm and Greenview Farm.
“We are so pleased that Newport Restaurant Group shares our passion for this vision and we are honored to have them as our partner,” said Noah Fulmer, executive director of the nonprofit Farm Fresh Rhode Island. •