The community in Boone has a reputation for taking care of one another and living by the golden rule. If you’re looking for someone who exemplifies this on a daily basis, look no further than Renee Boughman!
Q: What is the F.A.R.M cafe’s mission?
A: F.A.R.M. Cafe’s mission is to “feed all regardless of means.”
Q: Where did the idea for F.A.R.M cafe come from?
A: The original idea was started in Salt Lake City, Utah at One World Cafe by Denise Cerreta. While this cafe is no longer in operation, the larger movement of One World Everybody Eats grew out of this concept and F.A.R.M. Cafe “piggy backed” off of this template. We had a small group of citizens who believed this idea could work in our community and began researching, organizing, and raising funds in 2009.
Q: Where does the restaurant get their ingredients?
A: We purchase our food just like all restaurants with the exception of donations from Panera Bread once a week, available donations consistently from Earth Fare, and we have our own garden this year where we receive produce whenever it’s harvested. We also have some faith communities, High Country United Church of Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church who provide regular produce donations from their gardens. We benefit from local farms who can provide “extra” when it is available – High Country CSA in particular. The majority of our food is purchased and we have to meet costs like anyone else running a business. We are always evolving and changing our plans at the cafe in order to be sustainable & continue our mission.
Q: Are there any future plans or changes for F.A.R.M cafe?
A:We would love to be more involved in education in the community as well as one day expand our “pay as you can” concept outside of the space we are in now to other locations when possible.
Q: What is your favorite meal you’ve ever eaten/made there?
A: I do not have one favorite meal but we have found that Heirloom Tomato Pie is very popular as well as Braised Local Vegetables with Spinach, Coconut Milk & Nuts. We serve nutritional meals with emphasis on providing gluten free, dairy free, vegan & vegetarian dishes whenever possible.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about F.A.R.M Cafe?
A: We are very pleased with the community support of F.A.R.M. Cafe and we always invite others to participate in this journey with us by volunteering, donating funds, or enjoying a meal in our cafe!