Sunlight Gardens hosting block party to encourage healthy eating

As part of a fight against food insecurity and to promote better health, the community is invited to a block party.

Devon Wilson, owner of Sunlight Gardens in Battle Creek’s Washington Heights northside neighborhood, is throwing a block party from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at his farm at 245 N. Kendall St.

The free event is open to the public and will include free food with small bites prepared with local ingredients as well as food vendors in Torti Taco, Umami Ramen, Veggz Cafe and Beloved Body Smoothies.

“The intention is to help our community build a relationship with food; Building a new relationship with food, or strengthening a relationship with food,” Wilson said. “This is my passion, food, eating healthy, it’s my way to bring things I think are cool in the city, great healthy food options and bring that to our community and build it and try it for free and also have a good time.”

The event is sponsored by The Village Battle Creek, Penetrator Events, Southwest Michigan Urban League and its H.O.O.D Health Cooperative — Helping Others Overcome Disease (hypertension, oncological disorders, obesity and diabetes). 

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Wilson founded Sunlight Gardens in 2016, and purchased the urban farm from Sprout in February 2020.