OUR STORYConvivium was founded on the idea that a lot of our world’s problems stem from a lack of connection – to ourselves, to our community, and to our environment. At Convivium we hope to foster this connection, or reconnection, to those areas of our life and we use FOOD to do it.
Why food? Because it is universal. Everyone eats! And the ritual of eating is more than just satisfying our hunger – it involves the farmer that grew it; the soil, sun, and rain that gave it life; the person who prepared it; and the people with whom we enjoy it. |
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CONVIVIUM'S MISSION
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ClassesConvivium’s classes are the tools that turn your curiosities and interests into knowledge and skills on a variety of food-related topics. Our classes are designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and self-sufficiency in the kitchen and garden, as well as to empower participants in their pursuit of a more wholesome and secure food experience.
Everyone eats, and in order to ensure everyone has access to this important and transformative information, we offer all of our classes and workshops on a sliding scale. Learn more here. |
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DemonstrationsConvivium’s demonstrations are free and fun ways to witness a variety of our behind-the-scenes projects that will expose you to new things and inspire you to connect more with food, nature, and your community.
You can see how maple syrup is made, watch honey be extracted from our backyard beehives, and view non-traditional growing methods in our demonstration gardens. Learn more here. |
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ExperiencesConvivium’s experiences are opportunities to celebrate and strengthen our connection to ourselves, our community, and our environment. They embody and bring to life our core values of food, community, sustainability, education, and hospitality.
Our experiences include our educational volunteer opportunities, our interactive urban farm tours, and our annual community events: Souper Bowl Sunday, Community Pancake Breakfast, Neighborhood Open House, and Farm to Table Dinner. Learn more here. |
Increasing Access to Healthy Food
Part of our mission includes providing free meals, as well as tools and education about healthy food choices,
to children and adults who are struggling with food access.
to children and adults who are struggling with food access.
Casserole ProgramWe distribute and deliver free, fully-prepared casseroles each week to those in need of food.
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Free ProduceWe host bi-weekly food box distributions and maintain garden beds that anyone can harvest from.
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Good & CheapA hands-on cooking class for adults and families that teaches healthy eating on a budget.
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HOW CONVIVIUM CAME TO BEAfter leaving successful corporate careers in insurance and marketing, Convivium co-founders Mike Muench and Leslie Shalabi set out to give back to the community through the creation of Convivium Urban Farmstead.
Convivium’s original mission – to create community around food – began with the premise that most problems and challenges we experience in our culture today come from a lack of connection – from each other, from the environment, from the food we eat, and from traditional skills and methods. Every single activity, event and interaction at Convivium is designed as an antidote to the core issue of disconnection. Finding ways to come together and connect which span political differences, socio-economic status, or ethnic backgrounds is paramount to preserving and enhancing the fabric of our culture. We believe that a having a pleasant, enjoyable, and engaging reason to connect is what will heal our society - and what better way to do it than around food. |
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What Makes it Possible - You!With a unique business model, Convivium doesn't rely solely on grants and donations to make everything we do possible. All profits from our restaurant and coffee house, catering menu, and event space rentals directly support our mission of improving life through food.
That means every cup of coffee, every sweet potato pancake, and every party celebrated in our space helps increase access to healthy food for the members of our community who need it most. Thanks for being a part of our mission.
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Get Involved
VolunteerGain hands-on experience of how to grow and prepare your own food while volunteering to help in our gardens, kitchen, or assembling casseroles.
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Take a ClassTurn your curiosities and interests into skills and knowledge with Convivium’s classes and workshops on a variety of food and garden-related topics.
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Tour the FarmWant to see or show your friends, family, or co-workers what Convivium is all about? We offer large and small private tours by reservation.
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