Wrapping up local foods in atwood

My internship was more than I had hoped or expected it to be. In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I started off with collaborating research on the importance of local foods, especially in rural areas. I did a lot of computer work and research. I enjoyed becoming more self aware of the need for local foods, and grew a passion for telling others about it. My subtopics were going to be farmers market and community garden. I was worried because Kansas isn’t allowed to have a farmers market due to cottage food laws. However, a couple weeks ago I was glad to see a group of community members selling and trading goods. We found another pinch trying to secure a site to build the new community garden. Luckily we made a deal and built beds last week. We hope to be ready for some early summer/late fall harvest beds, but will have a grand opening in the spring of 2015. Since we didn’t have a community garden already going, I took care of the Kids Garden Project at the elementary school. Every Wednesday and Friday kids from the community come to the elementary school playground from nine to ten thirty to weed, learn about gardening, make new friends, and have fun in the garden. I was responsible for making a lesson plan and bringing supplies. During the lesson we would usually make a craft and do an activity that related to what we were learning about. Occasionally the kids were so distracted having fun looking at plants or asking questions, we just weeded and walked around the garden. On Tuesday mornings from eleven to noon, I went to a local church to help our extension agent with her Kids Cooking Class. We learned about food groups, health, safety, and proper cooking techniques. Every day the kids cooked a different recipe like pudding in a bag, or breakfast banana split. They learned how to wash their hands properly, and how to stay sanitary. I spent part of my internship interviewing community members. For one of my interviews I baked Kolaches. Other interviews consisted questioning random people about their involvement with local foods, and giving information on why it is important. I really enjoyed getting to know Jessica Mews as my supervisor and friend. Overall I feel that my adventures as an Ogallala Commons Intern were successful.