busy opening weeks of school. ….

busy opening weeks of school.

A contact in Sidney oered to provide chokecherry syrup, allowing the school to continue with its plans and give students another locally inspired food to sample.

The garden and kitchen are also places where students can gain hands-on experience.

Sophomore volunteer Reese Smith spends about an hour each day helping in the kitchen. Matlow and the other workers give her useful jobs, including assisting with produce harvested from the garden.

“She’s been so helpful,” Matlow said.

Kitchen worker Sonny Marshall also helps with the daily work, including dishwashing and other tasks that keep the kitchen running.

Younger students occasionally have opportunities to lend a hand as well. Matlow said second and third graders may spend about 15 minutes in the kitchen completing age-appropriate, meaningful jobs.

“It’s really exciting to get second or third graders who come in here and help with meaningful work,” she said. “They get some stu done.”

For Matlow, having students involved is an enjoyable part of the program.

“We love it,” she said. “I like having kids in here.”

With each harvest, the school garden provides more than fresh ingredients. It gives students an opportunity to try unfamiliar foods, learn practical skills and see how something grown just across the street can become part of their school lunch.