Ashe Students Get Dirty with ACFM Project

By Vicki Randolph

The Ashe County Farmer's' Market does so much for our community. Not only do they provide food for those

of us without a green thumb, they also contribute in even more valuable ways. One great example is what the ACFM education committee has been up to lately.

For the past few weeks and months, local students have been getting their hands dirty at school. First grade students at Westwood Elementary, second graders at Blue Ridge Elementary and third graders at Mountain View Elementary have all had the chance to learn some of the tricks of the trade from a few of the farmers' market members.

Thanks to donations from individuals and discounts from local businesses, the ACFM education committee has been able to provide seeds, soil, pots, lumber and all other tools and materials needed for school students to plant their own foods to be harvested.

"The children have all been very excited, eager to plant and eager to learn - just absolutely intrigued. It does my heart good," says Claudine Silver, chairperson of the project.

It has all been going very smoothly, even with the many weather delays they've faced this spring.

Each of the three schools have successfully started their seed plantings in trays and started many vegetable plants in the raised beds built by farmers' market members. The kids are growing lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, radishes and spinach.

There is a three-fold purpose to the program.

"We want them to have a hands on learning experience, we want to help the teachers meet their curriculum requirements, and we really want the students to have a work-reward experience that will enhance a sense of self respect and instill a work ethic in them," says Silver, a veteran of the educational field.

The students aren't just getting dirty while planting this Spring. They will all be able to harvest their hard work when they return to school in the fall. Even though they'll be in new classrooms with new teachers at a higher grade level, they'll be able to see how their plants continued to grow while they were on summer vacation.

Similar programs are also being provided by ACFM at Ashe County Middle School and at the High Country Academy. Silver would like to thank all of the dedicated teachers, volunteers, students and school staff who have helped make this first year of education programs such a success. Be on the lookout for harvest results later in the growing season.

Please note, the Ashe County Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and, beginning on May 13, will also be open on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.