Sacramentans can support sustainability, the environment and decreased use of pesticides at a local fundraiser being held next week.

Pesticide Watch and Slow Food Sacramento are teaming up to host the event, Sustainable Sacramento, on Thursday, Jan. 21. The event will laud local sustainability leaders and raise money for Pesticide Watch, a statewide organization based in Sacramento.

"The commitment and expertise, the money and time that's required to step out and do things differently than the easy, conventional approach to raising and distributing food is something that should be recognized," said Charity Kenyon, membership director for Slow Food Sacramento.

The event will honor Harvest Sacramento, a nonprofit program hatched by two East Sacramento residents to glean excess produce for food banks; Grant High School's GEO Environmental Science and Design Academy, which teaches students how to build healthy, sustainable communities; and Hot Italian, a restaurant that uses local and organic food and composting and is housed in a certified environmentally friendly building.

Local Hmong cook Sheng Yang will also talk about the new book she co-wrote, "Cooking from the Heart: The Hmong Kitchen in America."

The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hot Italian, 1627 16th St. Tickets cost $35. Pizza and organic treats are included.

Pesticide Watch has held this fundraiser for the last two years. This year, Slow Food Sacramento has joined in to co-host the event.