Local author debuts "Celebrate the Seasons – Farm to Fork Cookbook" in western New York

Buffalo, New York (Aug. 11, 2025) – Today, Patti Green, creator of Farm to Fork, celebrated the debut of her new cookbook, "Celebrate the Seasons – Farm to Fork Cookbook," a vibrant celebration of fresh, locally grown produce and the community that cultivates it.

The cookbook is an extension of the Farm to Fork initiative, which received pivotal support through a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Fund grant. The 2021 grant fueled both Buffalo Go Green’s “Fresh Take: Healthy Churches, Healthy Communities” program, bringing fresh produce, culturally relevant meals, and engaging cooking demonstrations directly to underserved neighborhoods in Buffalo through a mobile unit, as well as Farm to Fork, which was a core element of this initiative, empowering families across the region with enhanced nutrition education and enriching farm literacy experiences.

The cookbook launch marks a significant milestone, signaling the full execution of the grant goals, and offering local families multiple avenues to access fresh produce, learn essential cooking skills, and nourish their minds and bodies.

“I wrote Celebrate the Seasons as a tribute to the incredible farmers, growers, and food artisans who work tirelessly—often around the clock—to bring fresh, seasonal bounty to our tables. Their hands and hearts make it possible for us to cook with purpose and connect through food. This cookbook is more than just recipes; it’s a celebration of our region’s rich agricultural heritage and a reminder of the deep nourishment that comes when we eat with the seasons, honor the land, and support those who steward it,” said Patti Green, author and creator of Farm to Fork.”

This ongoing collaboration between Buffalo Go Green, Patti Green’s Farm to Fork, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Fund exemplifies the power of community-level health and wellness programs.

"Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has equitable opportunities to access fresh, nutritious food and the knowledge to prepare it," said Mike Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "The launch of this cookbook, and our continued partnership with both Buffalo Go Green and Farm to Fork, represents a collaborative approach to creating a healthier, more food-secure Western New York. We're not just solving immediate problems; we're offering tools that help families build the foundation for long-term well-being."

During an exclusive launch event at Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant, Patti Green signed copies of her new cookbook, while several local farmers, chefs, and vendors highlighted locally sourced produce and the power it holds. Additionally, guests enjoyed signature bites, prepared by Bacchus chefs, that incorporated the local offerings. Buffalo Go Green, Rooted Locally, Mastersons Honey Farm, Edenesque and Plato Dale Farm all attended with various offerings.

“Bringing together this amazing group of Western New York Farmers, chefs and community activists has us very excited to host this book signing. Patti Green has done an amazing job explaining our local food systems and the importance of seasonal cooking while highlighting all the great people and places of Western New York!" said Chef Brian Mietus, Owner of Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant.

The cookbook is currently available with a $20 donation that will support the Farm to Fork Network’s nutritional education programming.