Grass Roots underground kitchen hosts free community event in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — An underground kitchen in Gainesville is working to address food insecurity while educating the community about fresh, local food and this month, the public is invited to see its mission up close.

The organization, called Grass Roots, focuses on helping families in Gainesville facing hardships. Officials say Grass Roots grows its own fresh produce on a farm and garden in Alachua County, using those ingredients to support the community and promote healthy eating.

Executive Chef Carl Watts said the operation is largely self-sustaining.

“All of our vegetables are grown on our farm... we process our own cows, and we recently got our own chickens as well, so our own eggs as well,” Watts said.

Grass Roots will host a free community event on Saturday, July 18, at 2626 E. University Ave., Gainesville. The event is open to all ages. Organizers say attendees are also encouraged to volunteer and help support the organization’s mission.

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