Let's Do Organic Lunch

[Shirley]

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/news/ne ... php?id=212

Actress Thelma Barlow will be amongst those supporting Garden Organic’s new campaign by holding a special organic lunch.

Garden Organic, which promotes organic gardening, farming and food, will be holding "Let's Do Organic Lunch" throughout July. Supporters are being asked to treat their family and friends to an organic meal to raise funds for the charity’s education work, social and international programmes and research. Of course, this campaign will also be a wonderful way to introduce hundreds of people to the delights of organic dining!

Thelma, much-loved as Mavis Riley in Coronation Street and recently seen in Mrs Henderson Presents, became a life member of Garden Organic more than 20 years ago. "Organic food was not nearly as massive an issue as it is now," she says, "You couldn't buy it in the supermarket, you had to grow your own. But even now, there are still lots of people who have never tried organic food, so we need to keep spreading the word."

Let’s Do Organic Lunch is open to all. Of course, many keen growers will relish this opportunity to show off their finest vegetables and fruit to their family and friends. But you do not have to have green fingers – or even be a great cook - to join in the fun.

Jacqui Wood, Fundraising & Communications Director, says: "Anyone who enjoys organic food is welcome to take part in Let's Do Organic Lunch. If you don’t grow your own, you could simply buy organic ingredients from the supermarket and follow the easy recipes that will be included in our 'host's kit'. Holding an organic lunch will be a wonderful way to spoil your friends and support our vital work at the same time."

Everyone taking part will receive a host's kit, which will include invitations, a menu card, sample menus and recipes, sponsorship forms and information about Garden Organic, plus some organic chocolate mints. The host will be free to hold their lunch at any time during July and their guests will be asked to make a donation to Garden Organic in return. The charity aims to raise £100,000 from this campaign, which would be a significant contribution towards it valuable work in promoting organic growing around the world.

Funds raised will go towards important initiatives such as the Duchy Originals Garden Organic for Schools project (http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/schools ... /index.php), which is supporting nearly 2,000 schools to grow their own organic food, and the International Programme, which is helping farmers in developing countries to adopt organic methods.

If you would like to participate, register for Let’s Do Organic Lunch here http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/support_us/lunch.php