STUDENTS TO ENJOY TASTE OF THE VALLEY

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg students will be in for a special treat on October 2. Last month, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed October 1 as Taste Washington Day, a day where schools partner with farmers to include fresh Washington-grown foods in their cafeteria meals.

That date didn't work for Waitsburg, motivating Food Services Supervisor Susan Wildey to take the program one step further and offer an even more locally focused Taste of the Valley day on October 2.

Taste of Washington began in 2010 when the Washington School Nutrition Association partnered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) in an attempt to improve student nutrition and support the regional economy.

"Taste Washington Day helps students understand where their food comes from and gives them a chance to try fresh, healthy foods. It also celebrates our state's farmers and ranchers who grow a range of crops and foods - from asparagus and beef to wheat and zucchini," said WSDA Director Bud Hoover.

On October 2, local students (and interested parents) will enjoy a meal made largely from locally sourced foods. In addition, Wildey and assistant Bitsy Vawter plan to have tasting tables scattered throughout the cafeteria, where diners can taste test selections of produce and cheeses. Several of the vendors will be available at their tables to answer questions.

"I'm super excited about this," said Wildey. "We always encourage kids to try new foods during the school year but that can be expensive and risky. You don't want to order 40 pounds of star fruit and then have only ten kids eat it. This way we can showcase food that's nice and fresh. It's a great opportunity and the kids themselves are in charge."

Wildey said that local suppliers have been extremely supportive of the event. Many are providing their produce at deep discounts and some have donated their goods.

Country Cupboard will make hamburger buns using Eric Thorn's Shepherd's Grain, the Montiellet Fromagerie will provide hard cheese to top the burgers, and Deer Pond Gardens is providing potatoes for potato salad as well as well as green salad items. Numi Garden plans to bring roasted beets, winter squash, carrots, kale chips and "all kinds of stuff." Warren Orchards will share from their apple harvest and Ed and Cathy Lambert are donating peaches and strawberries. Soft cheese from Little Dipper Dairy will be available for tasting.

Wildey is also pleased at the prospect of possibly procuring product the district can purchase as part of the popular Farm to School movement. "We're so lucky to be in an agricultural area where we have so many fruits and vegetables. It's just a matter of making the right contacts and this may be a step in that direction," said Wildey.

Parents are welcome to join their students for lunch, but an RSVP would be appreciated in order to get an accurate head count. Lunch is $4 for adults, and parents should contact Wildey at swildey@waitsburgsd.org by Sept. 29 to RSVP.