LIBERTY, NY — A string of 16 first graders formed a line on a cold winter’s day at Cooke Elementary School in Monticello. What was this line for? To take a turn mashing up some steaming potatoes that the first graders had just chopped and cooked themselves.

On January 28, the George L. Cooke Elementary School participated in Chef in the Classroom, an extension of the Catskill Edible Garden Project. The Catskill Edible Garden Project is a collaboration between Sullivan 180, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Catskill Mountainkeeper to work with schools to design edible gardens as outdoor educational and gathering spaces. “The gardens increase access to healthy food while offering hands-on learning opportunities connected to agriculture, nutrition and ecology,” Sullivan 180 wrote. 

Classrooms can request a Chef in the Classroom: Local chefs or educators will join a class and make a dish with hands-on participation from students.

The Cooke School first graders made mashed potatoes and hummus with Joy Leon, nutritional and physical activity educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, and Eva Bednar, garden coordinator at Sullivan 180.

Students each received a cutting board and beginner knife, and were briefed on knife safety, cutting skills and cooking cleanliness. They were encouraged to try new foods. 

Students saw several types of potatoes and learned about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, chickpeas and an assortment of other vegetables that they cut themselves to dip into their hummus. 

When asked what their favorite food was, some students preferred the hummus; some liked the fresh vegetables; and many liked the mashed potatoes, demonstrating it by going back for second portions.

“The students don’t get to do things like this every day. It’s really important for them to have these opportunities,” said Sue Rodriguez, the garden coordinator for Cooke School’s edible garden, which grows produce like potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries and herbs. Students plant and harvest everything themselves.

To learn more about the Catskill Edible Garden Project or to get involved with a garden near you, email Bednar at eva@sullivan180.org.

Learn more about Sullivan 180 at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.