By Pamela Brown
Healthy, organic, and homegrown is the cornerstone of Feed Me Fresh (FMF), a yearround, garden-to-table, sustainable nutrition program at the Mount Kisco Child Care Center. “People are interested in serving their families fresh food for its nutritional benefits and supporting local farming initiatives. The children at MKCCC are fortunate to be in an environment where we make this possible,” said Dottie Jordan, Executive Director.
Fresh delicious food from local and regional farms takes center stage. At MKCCC’s 6th annual “Feed Me Fresh–an Edible Evening.” The event, taking place September 25th from 6:30-10 p.m. at Ivanna Farms in Bedford Corners and co-chaired by Lauren Schwarzfeld and Lauren Wysmuller, benefits MKCCC’s scholarship program. “It’s a fun night with lots of delicious food, great music, and silent auction. It’s a great way to support the children,” said Jordan.
Seasonal tastings will be offered by chefs from area restaurants, including Cafe of Love, Crabtree’s Kittle House, The Flying Pig on Lexington, Myong Private Label Gourmet, and La Tulipe Desserts. Cynthia Brennan’s Table Market is catering the event. Also, the following are being honored for their commitment to MKCCC: Pam Moskowitz, Volunteer Coordinator; Cynthia and Patrick Brennan, of Katonah; parents and longtime supporters; and Mimi Edelman, of Katonah, organic farmer/educator and FMF creator. Moskowitz feels volunteerism is win/win for both recipients and volunteers. “It’s hugely fulfilling seeing everyone involved walk away enriched for their experiences,” she said.
Established in 1971, MKCCC is a non-profit, non-sectarian child care facility for children, 3 months to 11 years, whose mission is providing safe, ffordable, and exceptional care and education to a diverse group of children of the working families of northern Westchester county. “It’s our deep conviction the Center should maintain a richly diverse population that reflects the makeup of our community in an environment that fosters understanding, cooperation, and tolerance,” said Jordan.
FMH highlights MKCCC’s concern with health and nutrition. “The curriculum couples hands-on farming units with cooking classes based on seasonal offerings from our school-yard gardens,” she said. Daily, children eat fresh, homemade food; families are included through dinner nights, sharing recipes, and garden work. FMF has changed the children’s eating habits.
