This past week the Region 1 Interns helped the Little Hands Childcare and Preschool plant their own raised bed garden. Margaret Murphy was there to lead and explain what was going to happen to the kids. She talked about what plants need to grow and how they were going to take care of the garden. The garden consists of a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The kids were very excited to get their hands dirty!
On Wednesday, the region 1 Rising Star interns visited Calico Skies Winery, located outside of Inwood, Iowa. The couple that owns and operates the winery and vineyard is Will Kimberley and Ashlee Bahnson-Kimberley. Calico Skies does more than just make wine. They have their own vineyard and are also in the business of hosting weddings, receptions, and other special events. They host all of these events in three different indoor rooms that can be rented out and have an outdoor location as well. When we first walked in we were greeted with smiling faces and felt very welcomed.
It’s almost the end of week three for the rising star interns and I am amazed about how fast these weeks have flown by. Between the farm tours, farmers market visits, seminars, and more we are constantly on the move! By the end of each day I am exhausted and asking myself the same question, “So what’s for dinner tonight?”
A list of the Rising Star Interns projects.
The Rising Star interns have had a great time so far working throughout their regions. Region 1 had our first farm tour of the summer. We visited Little Swan Lake Winery out in Estherville, Iowa. Little Swan Lake is more than just a winery.
Hello! The Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Rising Star Interns are back for another summer in Northwest Iowa. This is the Rising Star Internship’s third year of existence, and we are excited to continue working with local foods. During the summer, each of us will be posting about our activities and individual projects. Our job description is below for you to learn more about what a Rising Star Intern does and what to look forward to in the blog this summer:
As rising star interns, we get a lot of opportunities to do a variety of activities. Last week we got to experience two very different parts of the food system in Sioux City.
On June 27 the Region 1 Rising Star Interns traveled to the Spencer Riverfront District Farmers’ Market to do a food tasting. After setting up our table, we walked around to all the different vendors to decide on a recipe to prepare fresh right in front of customers.
My individual project for the summer is to help local farmers markets gain publicity and outreach with the community.
I have been doing surveys in grocery stores and at farmers’ markets in order to find the best way yo market farmers' markets. I plan to do a survey at a farmers’ market and a grocery store in every county. So far, I have completed surveys in 4 grocery stores and 5 farmers’ markets.
For my individual project I am preparing Zippy Zucchini Salad for adults and children to try while they wait or on their way out of the clinic. It contains zucchini, tomatoes, green pepper, and green onion with a vinegar, sugar, and olive oil dressing on top. I also have hand-outs of the recipe in English and Spanish and a list of the farmers’ markets in the 6 counties that currently accept WIC checks to be used to buy fresh produce.
