Region 20 Rising Star Interns celebrated this 4th of July in Morning Sun at their morning celebration last Wednesday. We had a variety of local food samples available for kids and adults to try. To determine what vegetable they got to try, they first had to spin the wheel. Whatever vegetable the wheel landed on, they had to try in order to receive a prize!
On the wheel we had local tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon cucumbers, kohlrabi, and everyone’s favorites, eggplant! For many, especially the kids, they had never tried eggplant before. With the incentive of a prize and a little push from us to just take a little bite and try it, many didn’t think it was as bad as they thought it would be! Some of the prizes we had included Iowa State University Extension cups, pencils, pens, sunscreen sticks and magnets.
We also did a basket of produce giveaway on Facebook. The purpose of this giveaway was to promote Eat Fresh Southeast Iowa Facebook page where we post updates on region wide events and tips for farmers and eaters. We also use this post to promote local farmers and local farmers markets. The produce giveaway reached over 1,500 people and we received over 60 participants! One lucky winner was selected the evening of July 4th, and received her produce the following day very excited and pleased with all the local produce.
We’re having a blast in Region 20 and can’t believe that we only have just over 3 weeks left! We can’t wait to share the rest of our internship journey with you in the upcoming weeks as we complete our school program and continue to promote local foods at county fairs and community events.
Sincerely,
Region 20 Interns
Kelsey, Kelley and Allison