40 • Off icial Kids Mag •
In fact, that's the mission
statement. The organization
was initially formed as an effort
in concert with Ozark Natural
Foods. In 2007 it blossomed into
a not-for-profit organization.
"It was developed by a group
who wanted to inspire healthy
eating in our youth," Mary
explained. "From that point
we've been adding steps along
the way with a teaching farm,
kitchen and programming."
In cooperation with the
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation
Department, Apple Seeds
occupies a two-acre spot in Gully
Park and operates a teaching
kitchen there.
The organization is lucky to
have a lot of community support
for their effort.
"We are lucky so many people
want us in Northwest Arkansas,"
Mary said. "We have quite a few
funders though foundations, such
as United Way, the Walmart
Foundation and Tyson. We also
have a large number of events
that act as fundraisers, and a
lot of small businesses sponsor
programs to ensure that we have
this program in our community."
Mary said she can see the
excitement in a kid's eyes when
they make a discovery in the
garden, or suddenly grasp
something they didn't know or
understand.
"We use the garden as a
learning platform," she said.
"We want them to be inspired
about where their food comes
from and what to do with it.
They come out to our teaching
farm and experience how food
grows. They are just filled with
wonder and awe when they
see a carrot come out of the
ground."
The Apple Seeds programs
don't stop at the garden gate.
The kids participating get real
world food preparation and
cooking experience.
"They are able to harvest the
meal," she said. "Then we teach
them how to cook a simple
meal and then they share the
meal at a table together out in
the garden. All of the programs
revolve around the concept of
healthy food. We send them
home with ingredients so they
can make the recipes at home
for themselves and family."
With summer approaching
Apple Seeds offers summer
camps for kids interested in
getting their hands down in
the dirt and learning a few
things about healthy eating and
nutrition, while having fun with
old friends and new ones.
"We have a summer camp
that anybody can sign up for,"
she said. "It is exciting seeing
students come out for half a
day and they get to garden and
cook. They have a lot of fun
with their friends. It's a fun
way to experience cooking and
learning."
Want to know more? Go to appleseedsnwa.org
to learn more about the organization, its programs and summer
camps. Volunteer opportunities and unpaid internships are
available. Check the web site for a schedule of upcoming events
and activities.
OFFICIALKIDSMAG.COM
KIDS
IN
THE
KITCHEN
