Buffalo State College‘s Hospitality and Tourism Department and the Small Business Development Center will sponsor an “Autumn Harvest Celebration” to benefit the Massachusetts Avenue Project‘s Food Ventures and Growing Green programs on Friday, Nov. 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lobby of Rockwell Hall on the campus at 1300 Elmwood Ave.

The Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP), a non-profit, community-based organization, has been developing and implementing projects dedicated to revitalizing Buffalo‘s West Side for more than a decade.

Featuring cuisine from MAP‘s Food Ventures program, Autumn Harvest Celebration is open to the public. Tickets are $10 for students, $18 for advanced purchase (available by calling the Small Business Development Center at (716) 878-4030) and $20 at the door.

The menu includes:

beef and chicken teriyaki island-style from Sonny‘s barbeque specialties from The Que Wagon Catering;

grilled marinated vegetable stacks from 5 Seasons Gourmet Catering;

assorted cheesecakes from Risa‘s Deli;

assorted biscotti from Cookie Confections;

a variety of scones from Hattie‘s Bakery; and

gourmet vegan desserts from Rainbow Specialties.

A cash bar will also be available.

The Massachusetts Avenue Project‘s Food Ventures Program creates opportunities for self-employment and business ownership for limited-income entrepreneurs through the use of business training courses, one-on-one technical assistance, access to markets and access to business loans. The program offers an on-site, licensed commercial kitchen located at 382 Massachusetts Ave. for its entrepreneurs‘ use, and encourages them to network with each other, share information and generate joint ventures.

MAP‘s “Growing Green” program develops models for community revitalization through sustainable urban agriculture, youth entrepreneurship and food systems development. Through hands-on activities in MAP‘s award-winning gardens, in the kitchen, on the farm and at the farmers markets, youth gain knowledge about their own food, nutrition, sustainability and food systems issues. In addition, youth acquire marketable job and life skills, an increased knowledge of good nutrition and improved nutritional practices.

For more information on Buffalo State‘s Autumn Harvest Celebration or the Massachusetts Avenue Project, contact Cindi Thomason at (716) 878-4030.