My food filled weekend has come to an end, which is kind of sad. But I have some great things to report, which is happy. First of all, my Saturday was well spent. Beside a veritable horde of baking and fundraising dynamos, I helped peddle a buffet of delectable baked goods at The Austin Bakes for Bastrop Triangle Location. We had cookies, brownies, pies, scones… It was a carbohydrate wonderland. Though the day started off a little slow, we ran into some amazing luck when the Beer Fest next door invited us to join forces with them. We quickly moved our tables into the park where two thousand thirsty beer drinkers descended on the table.
Success stories like ours were reported from all seven bake sale locations. Between the bake sale revenue, online donations, and matched contributions from some very sweet local organizations, the total revenue raised for wildfire relief has rocketed past $12,500! That's just amazing. I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing and effective foodie community here in Austin. Go us. Seriously.
My photos, along with many others, have been added to the Austin Bakes Set on Flickr. Here's hoping that these past two sales are just the first of many. Austin Bakes has proved that changing the world may be possible, with the power of cookies.
On Sunday I dragged my moaning, protesting, but underneath it all surprisingly supportive husband to The Rally for Real Food at the state capitol. Dozens of vendors, non-profits, and sustainable food fighters had tables set up, helping to promote real food, each in their own way. We tasted samples and collected coupons from non-gmo food companies, and met some very inspirational folks who are out there every day, fighting the fight for real food. After an hour or so of mingling, the speakers began. Every person who came to the podium delivered a message more powerful than the next. I cheeered. I clapped. I cried.
Though it was great to see so many people come together for a cause I feel so passionately for, I have to admit I was a little dissapointed by the size of the crowd gathered there on Sunday. Isn't this the most food oriented city in America? If memory serves, we spend more money on food (groceries or restaurants) than any other city in the country. We have more restaurants, more food bloggers, more cooks, and more eaters! Where were they? What I saw on Sunday was maybe a couple of hundred dedictaed, or at least intensely curious people. Bravo to every one of them, BUT, we can do better, Austin. Furthermore, as one of the food capitols of the nation, it's our responsibility to do better.
Here are some photos from Sunday's rally. There is an even bigger one coming up on October 16. My sister is getting married the day before, but I am going to try my very best to attend, at least for a portion of the day. I really hope that I see you all there. We all love food, right? So let's fight for it.