Starting Monday, Sept. 28, and running through Sunday, Oct. 4, a coalition of Tuscaloosa restaurants and cafés will serve “Schoolyard Roots Specials” – unique menu items crafted from ingredients grown on nearby farms. Each special helps fund Schoolyard Roots, the nonprofit that provides hands‑on garden education to over 4,300 elementary‑school students across the Tuscaloosa city and county school systems.
Kickoff Celebration
The week opens with a free kickoff party at The Sanctuary on 25th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 28. Attendees can enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a signature cocktail made with herbs harvested from Schoolyard Roots gardens. The event also features the organization’s popular Plant Spin game, encouraging participants to learn about local agriculture while having fun.
Participating Restaurants
During regular business hours, diners can order the special at any of the following locations:
- Chuck’s Fish
- Five & Five Java
- Central Mesa
- River
- Sugo
- Southern Ale House
- SAH Dockside
- Jalapenos Downtown
- The Alcove
- Roll Call & Forté
- Druid City Brewing Company
- Monarch Espresso
- Ben’s Bread
- Manna Deli
- The Sanctuary on 25th
Each establishment will design a dish or drink that showcases produce from local farms, giving patrons a true taste of West Alabama while supporting a vital educational program.
Local Farm Partners
The ingredients for this year’s specials come from a range of regional growers, including Snow’s Bend Farm, Leavelle Farms, Belle Meadow Farm, Fat Squirrel Peppers, Underground Forest, Hale Farms, the Tuscaloosa County School System’s K‑12 AgFarm, and Schoolyard Roots’ own gardens. By sourcing locally, the event highlights the quality of Alabama agriculture and reinforces the nonprofit’s mission to connect students with the land.
Silent Auction and Sponsors
An online silent auction runs concurrently, opening at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28 and closing at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4. Items for bid include products from local farmers, artists, and artisans, providing another avenue for community members to contribute.
Key sponsors for the fundraiser include Sanico, University Medical Center, The Westervelt Company, Alberta Veterinary Clinic, and more than 30 additional local businesses. Their support helps keep the event free for families and ensures that proceeds flow directly to Schoolyard Roots.
How to Get Involved
Residents can visit the participating restaurants during the week, order the special, and enjoy a meal that celebrates local flavor. For those who prefer to shop online, the silent auction is accessible via fundraiser.bid/schoolyardroots. All contributions, big or small, aid the nonprofit’s efforts to expand garden programs, provide fresh produce to school cafeterias, and teach children the science and stewardship of agriculture.
Schoolyard Roots has been a cornerstone of Tuscaloosa’s educational landscape for six years, and the “A Moveable Feast” fundraiser continues to demonstrate how community collaboration can nurture both the palate and the next generation of responsible citizens.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
