KELSEYVILLE >> After four and a half months, working on three different farms in northern Italy, teacher Helen Finch is back at Kelseyville Elementary School picking up where she left off in March.
A handful of volunteers and elementary school teachers kept Kelseyville Kids” Garden Club (KKGC) alive and abounding in fresh summer vegetables that they were able to share with Michelle Malm, food director of Kelseyville Unified School District.
This week the students are back out in the garden to start some fall favorites such as radishes, lettuces, swiss chard, bok choi and plenty of onions and garlic which they will also share with Malm, who will find many ways to use them in her kitchen at Kelseyville High School.
Last week Malm, made it possible for the KKGC to highlight some of their fresh produce in the high school cafeteria.
Finch served high schoolers (some of her favorite garden club alumni) an arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette, almonds, goat cheese and cranberries.
“It was wonderful to see how receptive the kids were,” Finch said.
Finch will be assist Malm in her effort to develop the Farm to School curriculum and activities at the Kelseyville Elementary School garden this year.
The KKGC is always in need of volunteers. Finch encourages teachers from all of the grade levels to join her in the garden Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thirty children have signed up for the after school program this season.
It doesn”t require a big commitment, Finch stated. An hour once or twice over the next eight weeks will make a difference.
For more information call Finch at 279-9400.
