Taste of Washington in Waitsburg

WAITSBURG – The Waitsburg School District is inviting community members to join students for lunch on Oct. 14, as they celebrate Taste of Washington.

This is Waitsburg's second year to participate in the statewide event that introduces students to fresh, local foods. Last year's event was wildly popular, with approximately 250 students, staff, and community members in attendance.

Through Taste of Washington, schools partner with farmers to include fresh Washington-grown foods in cafeteria meals. Waitsburg Food Services Supervisor Susan Wildey took that one step further.

"The entire menu is sourced from products that have been grown and raised within 30 miles. We also have tasting tables and vendors available to answer questions and help educate students," she said.

"Little Dipper Dairy is back and has been a wonderful supporter of the program," Wildey said. "The children love to try their variety of goat cheeses and Terrisa Churchill and family are always so friendly and excited to teach the students about what they do."

Country Cupboard is also back again, and will bake bread using Shepherd's Grain from Dayton. Jordan Henderson from Deer Pond Garden supplies salad, cucumbers, onions and potatoes throughout the year, and he will be supplying produce for this year's event as well.

Warren Orchards will again provide apples and pears for sampling, and the Montgomery family will return with tastes of Whetstone Honey.

New this year is Hayshaker Farms of College Place, who will also provide produce, and Mary's Candies from Waitsburg will provide some tasty treats. Meat will be provided by Blue Valley Meats.

"We are so fortunate to have these great vendors who pride themselves on quality and creating lasting relationships through education," said Wildey.

Taste of Washington is open to the public, from 10:45 to 11:45, at the Waitsburg Elementary School cafeteria and costs $4 for an adult lunch. Reservations are requested by calling (509) 337-6461 or email swildey@waitsburgsd.org. To keep updated on similar events, "like" Cardinals Kitchen on Facebook.