Farm Folks

July 17 was La Milpa Organica Farm’s potluck and movie, held on the third Saturday of each month and well-loved by many in the San Diego area. The event, held at the farm five miles north of Escondido, consists of a free open house during which people tour the farm and learn where their food comes from, and meet people with similar interests.

Visitors also taste many delicious items, as everyone brings something to eat, and there are many vegan dishes. Pizzas are cooked in an outdoor oven, often with a vegan option. Despite the hot summer day, people lined up for the slices with non-dairy Daiya cheese.

We also feasted on vegan jambalaya, bean and corn salad, various pastas, watermelon, homemade iced tea, and for dessert, pecan chocolate pie.  Another treat was the maple hazelnut wafers with chocolate fudge sauce local George Vutetakis shared. He also showed folks his Vegetarian Traditions vegan cookbook.

Where the Pizza is Cooked

Each potluck has live bands playing, and a film is shown in an outdoor theater under the oak trees. I once saw a great movie at La Milpa on earthships, ecologically-designed homes often found in the Southwest U.S.

La Milpa grows organic vegetables, greens and herbs, which they deliver to local restaurants, community supported agriculture members (CSAs), and sell at the following San Diego farmer’s markets: Thursday in Oceanside, Friday in La Mesa, Saturday in Vista, and Sunday in Hillcrest.

La Milpa is a group of people passionate about the land, healthy eating, and educating others. For more info on eating sustainably in the San Diego area, see San Diego Roots.

Support your local farms — and try some vegan dishes while you are at it — by attending one of the events at La Milpa.