THE YOUTH FARM at the High School for Public Service
NEWSLETTER Week of July 21
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Hello CSA members!
Im Patricia, the Farm to School Liaison at the Youth Farm. I know some of you well and hope to meet those I dont know very soon! As you know, our farm is very unique in its location (on the front lawn of the High School for Public Service on Wingate Campus!) and also in its focus on education.
My job is to maintain and strengthen the farms relationship with the principals, teachers, and students inside of the five high schools that make up Wingate Campus, as well as coordinate with outside groups to visit the farm. The summer brings an especially enjoyable new job for me--planning and running our summer youth program!
In many ways, I see our Summer Youth Program as one of the cornerstones of our project. We hire 10-12 students from the High School for Public Service to work on the farm for the summer. In addition to learning about food justice, nutrition and horticulture, they also gain leadership, communication, and other job skills. We are so excited that five of our eleven participants are returning for a second year.
Our returning students make my job a lot easier; they often lead the new students in farmwork and routinely correct me on the proper way to prep a bed or lead a farm tour. If you pick up your share on Wednesdays or happen to visit the farm on market day, please say hello to me and the youth! Their cooking demos run from 2:30 to 4:30 pm every Wednesday, and they will be running our volunteer days on August 2 nd and 16 th . They will happily lead you around the farm with guaranteed stops by the lemon sorrel, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes for snacks.
Looking forward to seeing you soon! Always feel free to email me with questions.
Now that the Summer Youth Program is up and running, things on the farm are moving even more quickly. Were preparing beds that have already given us one crop this season for their next cropthings like leeks, carrots, and more salad mix. Our battle with weeds continues, but I think (hope?) were winning. And most exciting of all, I saw the first almost-ripe tomatoes on Monday morning!
THE YOUTH FARM at the High School for Public Service NEWSLETTER Week of July 21 st 2014 www.HSPSFarm.blogspot.com /(00+( '+0':+0'&1 Two stars this week! kohlrabi and purslane! ! Kohlrabi is in the same family as cabbage, broccoli, and kale. You can eat it raw (in a salad or with dip) or cooked (kohlrabi home fries!), and you can also eat the greens. ! Purslane can also be eaten cooked (sauted or in soups and stews) or raw (in salads). The leaves, stems, and flower buds are edible. !G= P6;>CS Many people describe purslane as a super food. Its leaves are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the immune system and help regulate our metabolisms. Its also high in vitamin A and vitamin E, and the stems are very high in vitamin C.
"(5+J( 5#",("S TG<;@ ;G;GH79E M<;@A9C +=8E9F<9=>C " cup rice vinegar 1 tbsp sugar Kosher salt 1 small cucumber (or # large cucumber), very thinly sliced " sweet or white onion, thinly sliced O<E9;><?=C UV In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, and " teaspoon salt, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. 2. Add the cucumber and onion and toss to combine. 3. Let sit, tossing occasionally, at least 15 minutes and up to 6 hours.
"#$%$ &%$ '() *%(+, Originally Im from Jamaicamy mom and dad are Jamaican. I moved to Brooklyn when I was four years old.
"#' -.- '() /&01 /(%2 &3 & 4)++$% 5()1# 6&%+$%, I worked here last year and really enjoyed the experience. I learned a lot and it helped me lead a healthier lifestyle. I also like being outdoors, and working on the farm combines lots of things I like doinglike hard work, which I think builds character. Plus, when Im on the farm, I know Im helping peoples lives.
7( '() 3$$ *&%+.08 .0 '()% *)1)%$, Not as a profession. When Im older I want to be a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases.
"#&193 '()% *&:(%.1$ :$8$1&;<$, Carrots! Because theyre bright, crunchy, and contain beta-carotene, which is good for your eyes (I love to read, so I need good eyes).
"#&193 '()% *&:(%.1$ &3=$>1 (* *&%+.08, I like the market because I like interacting with people and the market gives me the chance to do that. I love being around the customers and answering their questions. The market also helps me appreciate the farm moreit gives people a way to get fresh and healthy food that they can afford. Seeing people enjoying that just makes me happy.
THE YOUTH FARM at the High School for Public Service NEWSLETTER Week of July 21 st 2014 www.HSPSFarm.blogspot.com
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1 sL and 3 rd SaLurday of Lhe monLh, 10-4pm Anu Lvery Wednesday, 2:30-6:30pm durlng our farmers markeL!