Western’s Sydney’s premier food festival is looking a little different this year. For starters, it’s not in Western Sydney. The annual Parklands Food Fest has moved online, with an exciting program that you can take in from the comfort of your own home, glass of wine in hand.

Now in its 9th year, Parklands Food Fest celebrates local urban farmers and their homegrown produce, while shining a light on the issues of food waste.

Headlining the festival will be celebrity chef Matt Moran, who will be hosting two cooking shows from the Parklands Food Fest virtual kitchen. Tune in on Facebook Live this Saturday, September 5 at 11am and 1pm to learn how to turn fresh produce into simple and delicious dishes, while cutting down on food waste. Get your aprons on and follow along as Matt cooks roasted cauliflower with anchovy butter, barra-masalata with potato crisps, lamb cutlets with chimichurri, and more.

OzHarvest’s executive chef Travis Harvey will also make a special guest appearance to show you how you can fight food waste at home.

Suellen Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Greater Sydney Parklands said: “We’re excited to be offering Parklands Food Fest in a new and innovative way this year. More people will have the opportunity to experience our beautiful Parklands and urban farms by taking up the challenge to cook along with Matt Moran, from anywhere in the world, as part of this virtual festival.”

Western Sydney Parklands is home to 12 urban farms, with the region producing a wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, many of which are available to the public at farm-gate stalls and via some of Sydney largest markets. If you wish to sample the best of the region, you can also sign up for a Food Fest Produce Box which includes a vibrant assortment of produce, including everything you need to join in on Matt’s two cooking classes.

“This year’s virtual event is a chance for Sydneysiders to stop and think about where their food comes from, and embrace the incredible produce grown right here in Sydney’s biggest backyard,” said Matt Moran.

“Knowing where my produce comes from and how it is grown is core to my relationship with food. For many of us living in the city, we can lose that connection. This is a chance to reconnect and support our local farmers.”

Parklands Food Fest will be held on September 5, 2020. For details on the festival, head to westernsydneyparklands.com.au/foodfest. To join the online cooking sessions, visit the Western Sydney Parklands Facebook page.