NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon will host an event on Monday, October 15th at The Standard Restaurant to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee's Children's Feeding Programs. The event entitled "Farm to Table" will incorporate local chefs and farmers together to create a unique dining experience to educate patrons on sustainable food and healthier living.
Witherspoon owns Shire Gate Farm in Owensville, Mo., where he raises grassfed White Park Cattle.
The 800-acre farm is certified by Animal Welfare Approved (AWA), and the farm has gained notoriety for their use of high-welfare, sustainable farming techniques in a grassfed program. Witherspoon, who is passionate about the cause, spoke at a congressional briefing this past July about the routine use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics in intensive livestock production. He called on members of Congress to support the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA), designed to end the widespread use of antibiotics on healthy animals and curb the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
"It's not always easy to eat properly," says Witherspoon. "When I became a professional athlete, I really began to understand what goes into our food. We have to be educated about what we're putting into our bodies.
I wanted to bring awareness to this issue as well as funding for area youth to get a proper and balanced meal."
Witherspoon decided to create an event that would showcase the local farming community and better educate the public on sustainable living. He admits that he'd like to start educating a younger audience and that's why the funds raised will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank's Children's Feeding Programs. September is Hunger Action Month and Witherspoon is among various celebrities who participated in an awareness video campaign on YouTube entitled Speak Out Against Hunger on behalf of Second Harvest Food Bank.
"One in four children in Tennessee struggles with hunger because of inadequate access to healthy food," said Jaynee Day, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. "Our Children's Feeding Program provides free, healthy meals and snacks to children in need and allows for children to experience food and nutrition in a whole new way. Many times, the meals received through our programs are often the only nutritious meals that hungry children receive outside of a school cafeteria."
The event will feature musical guest Holly Williams, who is also an advocate for sustainable living. Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. is a singer/songwriter with an upcoming album and tour scheduled for early 2013. In addition, Williams owns a fashion boutique, H. Audrey located in the Hill Center. She shares Witherspoon's passion for the cause and has written about her insights on food, fashion and travel in her blog entitled "The Afternoon Off" at www.theafternoonoff.com that features various recipes for healthy living.
"Over the last couple of years, I've discovered the benefits of cooking simply with good ingredients, fresh herbs, and local and organic foods where possible, and I don't mind saying I've become quite passionate about it," says Williams.
Tickets are $250 and on sale now with limited seating. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank's Children's Feeding Programs. To purchase tickets, discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities or general questions, please contact Brittany Hansen at 615-627-1611 or**brittany.hansen@secondharvestmidtn.org**.
About Second Harvest Food Bank:
Organized in 1978, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Second Harvest's mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Second Harvest distributes food and other products to approximately 400 nonprofit partner agencies in 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information on Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and its programs, please visit www.secondharvestmidtn.org.