Homegrown ‘Frijole Friday’

Fundraiser features student crops, cooking

Fresh farm food turns into Frijole Friday dinner at Langley Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on June 1.

Greens grown at South Whidbey School Farms along with freshly-made masa harina tortillas and scarlet runner bean frijoles are on the menu. It’s the last fundraising dinner for the farm program this school year.

“We’ve had three of these at elementary schools and now this final one is open to the public,” said Cary Peterson, who oversees program activities. “The kids love to make the homemade tortillas.”

South Whidbey School Farms, started in 2013, teaches students about growing food and how to prepare it. The organic produce grown at several gardens near the schools is eaten by students during culinary classes, in school lunches, at events and is also shared with local food banks.

Classes teach about the constant work needed to cultivate healthy soil and grow and maintain produce, such as lettuce, kale and spinach.

All week, kindergarten kids and other students will be out in the gardens with Frijole Friday in mind, Peterson said.

“They’ll be picking garden greens for the tortilla toppings,” she said. “They really look forward to seeing the food they’ve grown on people’s plates.”

Three Sisters grass-fed ground beef, Mexican rice, guacamole, cheese and peashoot salsa verde will also be part of the meal.

South Whidbey School Farms is sponsored by numerous community businesses and groups.

Frijole Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 1 at Langley Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 301 Anthes Ave. Suggested donation: $10 to $15 a person.

For more information: swschoolfarm@gmail.com

Students pick greens in the garden as part of the South Whidbey School Farms classes. Photo provided

Students pick greens in the garden as part of the South Whidbey School Farms classes. Photo provided