Local gardeners and community members will “plant seeds for hunger relief” at the first annual Growing Awareness benefit for Emergency Food Network at Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Puyallup on June 2, 2016.

Guests will join gardening expert Marianne Binetti for a “How to Be a Lazy Gardener” seminar from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Marianne Binetti‘s columns are featured in the Tacoma News Tribune and the Daily Olympian as well as many other publications. She has written 10 gardening books including her most recent book, “Edible Gardening for Washington and Oregon.”

Later, guests will enjoy a fun evening of private shopping, and a chef demonstration from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Watson’s will be open to ticketed guests for an evening featuring renowned chef Emily Moore, a four-star Seattle-based chef who is known for garden to table recipes, local food and wonderful cuisine. Guests will also be able to enjoy appetizers and wine while shopping.

Choose to attend either session individually or attend both. Admission is $25 for the Garden Seminar and $50 for the Private Shopping and Chef Demonstration.

The entire proceeds of ticket purchases go toward hunger relief in Pierce County and Watson’s will also donate 10% of all sales during the event to the Emergency Food Network.

Attendees of Growing Awareness are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items to the event. Items that are most needed include: peanut butter, canned stews, canned meats, infant formula, baby food, diapers, canned fruits, and canned vegetables.

Community events like this play an important role in helping meet the needs of hungry Pierce County neighbors. Every dollar makes a difference. Emergency Food Network is able to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 raised. Last year, they provided more than 16 million pounds of food to 70 food banks throughout Pierce County accommodating 1.4 million visits from Pierce County residents in need.

For more information about Growing Awareness and to register, click here, or call 253-584-1040, or email info@efoodnet.org.