Want to Teaching Kids How Food Gets From the Farm to the Table? Volunteer at Days of Taste

Bags, boxes, cartons, pouches, wrappers.    This is the state of food today as the majority of our CHILDREN know it. For the last 14 years, I’ve have the important job of educating 4^th and 5^th graders in our community about how food gets from the farm to the table…which is a difficult concept for kids, as well as adults, to grasp today. In the beginning, my first thought was to teach these kids about nutrition.  But after spending time with them, I realized that the first teachable moment needed to be about real food.

The stories I hear from the kids are always the same:

·      There are other berries besides strawberries? 

·      Carrots grow in the ground?

·      That’s asparagus? I thought it was celery!

·      I’ve never been to a farmer’s market before. It’s so cool!

·      I’m going to ask my Mom if I can cook with her in the kitchen now

·      I was proud of myself when I tried my very first salad that I ever made!

·      This food tastes so GOOD! How can I get more of it?

As a new mom myself, its that last comment that breaks my heart. I’m reminded daily of my responsibility to feed my child well. Not right, not wrong, but well. For some of us, this comes very naturally. For others, it's completely foreign.

Take time and volunteer your time and expertise with those who need it most. To find out about a Days of Taste Program in your area, go to www.aiwf.org. In Dallas/Ft. Worth, just contact me directly! I promise you it will be the most rewarding 4 hours you've ever spent.

Old McDonald Had a Farm, Not a Drive Through

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF WINE AND FOOD
PRESENTS THE DAYS OF TASTE PROGRAM


“In this age of fast and frozen food, we want to teach school children about real food – where it is grown and how it is produced – so that they can develop an understanding and appreciation of how good food is supposed to taste.” - Julia Child, AIWF co-founder

“Old McDonald had a farm, not a drive through.” - Joanne Bondy, Days of Taste Volunteer, Executive Chef, The Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine,Texas

Chefs, Foodies, Nutrition Experts, Farmers and Growers—come one, come all!
Be a part of the Coolest Field Trip of All!
It’s Days of Taste Time Again!

Join us as we explore the ABC’s of Taste & Health through the American Institute of Wine and Food Days of Taste Program. Held at the Dallas Farmer’s Market, Days of Taste provides a unique field trip experience for 4th and 5th grade elementary students in Dallas public schools. Through the program, students have the opportunity to explore the nuances of taste through the five senses with a tasting component guided by a chef, a visit with a local farmer to discover the wealth and variety of products grown and that are available locally, and prepare a Harvest salad using fresh produce that the they have purchased themselves at the Dallas Farmer’s Market. Volunteer culinarians and nutritionists share their enthusiasm for fresh ingredients, cooking, and love of food. The program teaches kids the concept of “from farm to table”-one that is difficult for kids to grasp these days.


Our Spring 2009 Dates:

Monday, May 4
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7

Monday, May 11
Tuesday, May 12
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 14

Shifts are from 9:00AM-1:00 PM
10/12 volunteers needed per day-bring your friends!
Dallas Farmer’s Market
Free parking
T-shirt, Lunch and Volunteer Instructions are provided

Volunteer responsibilities include:

* Greeting the students and teachers as they arrive at the market
* Overseeing hand washing
* Assisting chefs and growers as needed
* Assisting students with tasting component
* Assisting in the shopping and preparation of the Harvest salad
* Clean up and other duties as assigned

For more information and to sign up, please contact Robin Plotkin at robin@robinplotkin.com or 214-725-3947. To learn more about AIWF and the Days of Taste Program, please see the Days of Taste link under Programs.

DFW Goes Edible

The Edible Dallas & Fort Worth publication makes its much anticipated spring debut next week as the first local sustainable lifestyle magazine of the Metroplex.

From the Eats Blog at the Dallas Morning News, Kim Pierce writes:

Starting next week, you should be able to find fresh, free copies of Edible Dallas & Fort Worth, the newest member of the Edible family of magazines. Here's an excerpt from publisher Karen McCullough's press release:

"Edible Dallas & Fort Worth defines and honors the sustainable lifestyle of buying local. The magazine is brimming with engaging stories and enticing photography and advocates preserving food traditions, savoring food experiences, and pulling back the curtain on where our food comes from and how it gets to you."

The Edibles started in Ojai, Calif., and have spread like mushrooms to cities and areas across the country. The mags will be available at Whole Foods Market, Newflower Market, North Haven Gardens, Redenta's, Times Ten Cellars, plus other locations.

In the summer issue, look for an article on the Days of Taste Program (www.aiwf.org/dallasftworth) by yours truly. I'll also be contributing to the fall issue with nourishing treats for kids focusing on fall flavors.