Spring has well and truly sprung, and that meant a whole new array of green goodies for Wiscasset’s sixth grade to cook up and share with their school friends on Monday, May 19.

Kitchen supervisor Cindy Rimes threw open her doors to farm-to-school educator Karen Kleinkopf, who brought along pounds of new-season’s greens, including kale, beet greens, mustard greens, swiss chard and spinach provided by Goranson’s Farm of Dresden.

Then it was over to the students, who cooked up a storm and prepared sautéed braised greens for the entire school to taste-test, as well as making posters or table tents for the event.

Students also brainstormed why it is important to eat local foods and support the local economy. The event was such a success it will be repeated on May 29 with the next lot of produce to come into season, from asparagus and fiddleheads to rhubarb and radishes.

And Kleinkopf said she was delighted with the warm reception FARMS had at the Wiscasset school. “We have to thank sixth grade teacher Marsha Emery for putting this together and to everyone at the school for having such a positive approach to the event,” she said.

For more information about FARMS or to donate to our program, please visit www.mefarms.org.