Burlington County’s deep agricultural roots will take center stage this fall when the community gathers for the first-ever Harvest Dinner Celebration at the Burlington County Agricultural Center in Moorestown. This unique farm-to-table event, scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM, promises to showcase the very best of the county’s farms, culinary talent, and food traditions.
Hosted by the Burlington County Bridge Commission Department of Economic Development and Improvement Authority in partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County’s Culinary School, the Harvest Dinner is more than just a special night out — it’s a celebration of local agriculture, community collaboration, and the growing farm-to-table movement that’s reshaping dining across New Jersey.
A True Farm-to-Table Experience
Guests will enjoy a three-course seasonal dinner created by Chef Desmond Keefe, director of RCBC’s Culinary Arts School, alongside a team of culinary students. Every dish will feature ingredients sourced directly from Burlington County farms, giving diners the chance to experience local produce, dairy, and meats at their peak freshness.
The menu highlights the diversity of New Jersey’s harvest:
- Entrée choices include a locally raised chicken dish, Moussaka (a Greek-style beef and eggplant casserole), and a vegetarian option designed to celebrate fresh seasonal vegetables.
- The meal will also include farm-fresh appetizers and desserts, crafted with the same focus on local sourcing.
- Guests are invited to bring their own beverages, making it a casual yet elevated evening of dining.
All proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Farmers Against Hunger program, an initiative dedicated to collecting surplus crops from farms and farmers markets to distribute to food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries across the state.
A Venue with Agricultural Roots
The dinner will take place at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, a 68-acre preserved farm along Centerton Road on the Moorestown–Mount Laurel border. Once a working dairy farm, the county preserved the property in 2005 to transform it into a hub for community gardens, food education, sustainable agriculture, and land stewardship.
Today, the site is home to one of the most celebrated farmers markets in the state. In 2024, the Burlington County Farmers Market was voted Best in New Jersey by the American Farmland Trust and placed No. 4 in the nation in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ poll. It’s only fitting that the county’s first farm-to-table dinner will unfold at a location that embodies its farming legacy and future.
Why This Event Matters
Farm-to-table dining isn’t just about food trends — it’s about strengthening the bond between farmers, chefs, and communities.
“Burlington County is a national leader in farmland preservation, but our support for agriculture extends beyond preservation,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “Farm-to-table dining highlights how local farms, restaurants, and catering businesses can thrive together, while ensuring residents enjoy the freshest food available.”
Sandra Nunes, Chair of the Burlington County Bridge Commission, emphasized the economic and cultural impact: “Agriculture is part of Burlington County’s history and culture, and it continues to play a vital role in the local economy. The Harvest Dinner is our way of showcasing how farm-to-table dining supports farmers and helps sustain our agricultural community.”
Senator Troy Singleton also praised the event for uniting sustainability with food security. “The Bridge Commission has a strong record of supporting growth across Burlington County. I’m thrilled this dinner will highlight our agriculture sector and support Farmers Against Hunger, an organization that makes a real difference for families facing food insecurity.”
For more on Burlington County’s farming culture and other local initiatives, visit our Agriculture & Farming section.
Meet the Chef
Chef Desmond Keefe, who will lead the kitchen for the evening, brings more than 20 years of experience in culinary and hospitality education. In addition to his leadership at RCBC, Keefe has served as program director at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Executive Director of Culinary Arts and Tourism Studies at the University of the Bahamas, and founder of Humble Spud, a creative food vendor specializing in upscale potato dishes.
His team of culinary students will help execute the dinner, giving guests not only a taste of local agriculture but also a preview of the next generation of culinary talent being trained right here in Burlington County.
Event Details
- Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM
- Location: Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown
- Tickets: $75 per person
- Proceeds: Benefit the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Farmers Against Hunger program
Final Thoughts
The Harvest Dinner Celebration is more than just a meal — it’s a way to support Burlington County’s farmers, celebrate New Jersey’s agricultural heritage, and promote sustainable food systems that benefit everyone. With local ingredients, culinary creativity, and community spirit, this inaugural event is set to become a highlight of the fall season.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so don’t miss the chance to take part in this first-of-its-kind farm-to-table gathering.
