“Eat it to Save It.” Seems like an odd statement, doesn’t it? But if requesting heirloom varieties of produce on our plate encourages chefs to search them out and farmers to plant them, then it’s a success. So let’s do our part to help bring back more of these heirlooms… By doing what we do best, eating!

Along with Chefs Collaborative and their program the RAFT Grow-Out, Slow Food Boston is teaming up with a number of local chefs to offer up a series of amazing dinners throughout the next few months.

RAFT is a program started by Slow Food USA as a spin-off from the ARK of Taste, which recognizes foods that are in danger of extinction due to changing tastes & growing practices. RAFT goes one step further, bringing attention not only to regional foods and heirloom varietals that are hard to find, but also the cultural traditions around food that are being lost.

The RAFT Grow Out is a program that encourages local farmers to grow unusual heirloom varietals and teams them up with local chefs willing and eager to use those vegetables. The desired result? More people getting to discover amazing flavors, textures and colors and start asking for them at the markets. And in response more farmers being willing to grow them!

So back to the eating thing. The RAFT Heirloom Harvest Dinner series kicks off on Monday August 23rd at 6pm at Garden at the Cellar, 991 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Chef Will Gilson will be putting together an amazing four course meal featuring RAFT veggies for your gastronomic pleasure, and there will be Chefs Collaborative reps and a farmer on hand to discuss what you’re eating.

Cost for the evening is $65, inclusive of tax and tip but not drinks. The regular wine and beverage list will be available for purchases. Preregistration and payment are required. To register, log on to www.slowfoodboston.com.