A three-part annual fundraising dinner series returns this summer to cultivate deeper connections between the community and access to fresh food.

The Chef In Your Garden dinner series from local nonprofit Growing Gardens will feature family-style meals served in an outdoor setting at Mildred Hall in Northeast Portland. Tickets are $50.

Dinner No. 1 | Sunday, June 23
Learn how the Home Gardens program connects neighborhood garden advisors with community members, providing free education, resources, and three years of mentorship. Chef Nikeisah of Meals 4 Heels will prepare “culturally inspired food with a focus on PNW-grown ingredients.”

Dinner No. 2 | Sunday, Sept. 15
This meal, featuring Palestinian cuisine prepared by chef Jawaher of JawaherPDX, will highlight the Youth Grow program. Director Amoreena Guerrero will explain how the group is working to help children learn about nature, nutrition, and food system sustainability.

Dinner No. 3 | Sunday, Oct. 6
Help raise funds for the Lettuce Grow program, which offers hands-on garden-based classes and workshops for incarcerated adults and youths to encourage “successful reentry into society.” Diners will enjoy Filipino-inspired food by chef TJ of Kolectivo, Sun Rice, Magna Kuisina, and Tikim.