Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Rural Resources Takes Local Teens Out for Pizza--at Barbara Kingsolver's Place



Last Friday, August 2nd, teens participating in Rural Resource's Farm and Food Teen Training Program were rewarded for their work this summer with a trip to Harvest Table Restaurant & Farm. Stephen Hopp founded Harvest Table--which features all local ingredients--after he, his wife Barbara Kingsolver, and daughter Camille Kinsolver wrote the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food for Life, which became a landmark book in the local food movement.

Ranging in grade levels from middle school to seniors, the teens are at different stages in the Rural Resources' program. The first two years are spent learning to grow, harvest, and prepare food, while the next two years are spent developing and running a successful food enterprise. This year also saw a new feature of the program, with seniors having the chance to complete internships at area farms to further build their skills and experience.

At Harvest Table, the teens had a chance to relax and enjoy mouth-watering pizza, soup, salad, and sandwiches at the restaurant, while chef Phillip Newton described the local ingredients featured in their meal. Afterwards, they took a tour of the gardens with farm manager Samantha Eubanks. On the farm, the teens were able to observe harvest storage practices, crop rotations, and pest management.

The event successfully wrapped up a fantastic summer of work and learning at Rural Resources, and provided new insights and inspiration for a group of young people passionate about keeping local food alive. Look for more on this field trip in the Education section of the Greeneville Sun.