​FEAST Resumes Middle School programming!

​FEAST Resumes Middle School programming
Through partnerships with the IRL program of Asheville City Schools Foundation and the
YMCA of WNC, the FEAST program is once again serving middle school students in after
school programming after having to pause for several years due to staffing and funding
shortages. No garden required, just interest from students and on site after school program
coordinators. We now offer FEAST Club at Asheville Middle School In-Real-Life and YMCA
Horizons after school programs at Enka Intermediate School. Students participate in cooking
fresh produce and visiting Bountiful Cities’ gardens- this week the IRL Club visted Pearson
Garden to harvest sweet potatoes that they will cook next week! Programs are influenced by
student interest and experience. They gain an understanding of where food comes from, how
to grow it themselves, and the importance of local food options for the health of a community.
They also learn social-emotional skills such as respecting others, collaboration,
communication and honest efforts. Not only are students learning these important life skills,
they are also receiving mentorship and exposure to future careers in agriculture, culinary arts,
and food systems.
Keep an eye out as we continue to expand our reach to older students- we are hopeful that
through an expanding partnership with the United Way we will be able to explore infusing
FEAST into the school day at AMS, and we will be in the Eblen Intermediate YMCA Horizons
program next semester.