9.14.15 Meeting Notes for Volunteers

Hey everyone!  Thanks to those who came to the meeting.  It was productive and a nice way to introduce new volunteers to our concept.  For those of you who couldn't make it, here's everything you need to know and we all look forward to seeing everyone in the garden soon!

The meeting began as an overview of what happened last year (planting schedules, what we planted, working with teachers, volunteer time), and then we all took it from there discussing how we could make better, more organized changes for the benefit of education, the teachers, the parents and of course, the kids.

1. I will set up a google calendar that all volunteers and faculty will get invited to so that folks can sign up for slots where they can be physically present in either the garden or the kitchen, both mornings and afternoons.

2. We decided that limiting our seed/vegetable plantings to 3-4 strong types of vegetables that fit the season would be best.  This way we could harvest more and make more in the kitchen.  Think for the fall: kale, peas, radishes and greens.

3. We discussed donations.  Many of us are either donating our own seeds and equipment or reaching out to other local businesses that could donate seeds, soil, tools, cooking ingredients, etc. to our effort.  I will post a google doc wish list that all of you can see and edit so that we can see who is donating what and what is still needed.

4. A month-to-month growth chart will be added to the blog so all can reference what grows when and what can be harvested when.  This should help with volunteer efforts if you're unsure when to step in and offer your time.

5. We will be posting recipes and nutrition information on the blog so that teachers and parents can reference this when working both with produce from the garden and other produce purchased at markets or grown at home.  This will be an invaluable resource.

6. Finally, in the next week or so all volunteers will be assigned to a season.  Go ahead and fill out your questionnaire if you haven't already.  This way we can match you in your preferred time of year.

Please comment below with questions for everyone to see or email me individually if you'd like some heftier feedback.

Thanks again to all of you amazing volunteers!  Let's grow this garden and educate our kids about healthy food!!