Mitchell County Farm to School Festival has kids asking for more

The Growing Minds Farm to School Program brought Tamera Houchard's 3rd grade class, from Gouge Elementary in Bakersville, to Green Toe Ground Farm to investigate what food is grown in their community.

"There is a caterpillar that eats tomatoes, and there are baby wasps that suck all their juice out."

"I have never been that close to a pig!"

After a full day of work and exploration on the farm, the class prepared for their next adventure...cooking the foods they saw growing on the farm.

Students worked with ASAP staff Emily Jackson and Molly Nicholie, along with Mitchell County Child Nutrition Director Heather Calhoun and parent volunteers to chop tomatoes, peppers, green onion, basil, potatoes, garlic, and carrots.

Through the hallways of Gouge elementary you could smell something wonderful being created...

Chef Kim Austin helped pull the meal together, including Farm to School Pasta (with local Fullam Creamery feta and kid prepped veggies), Green Toe Ground Potato Salad, Yancey Butternut Squash, Willow Creek Cherry Tomato Salad (with Spinning Spider goat cheese), and Madison County Watermelon for dessert.

Students served their meal proudly to over 75 parents, families and community members.

The reviews are in, and even the pickiest eater in the class went back for thirds.

Read the press release