–by Madie Murray —
Ashley Randall, new F2C Coordinator
You may have noticed some recent Farm to Cafeteria articles being written by Ashley Randall, Farm to Cafeteria Coordinator. You’ll be seeing many more. Yes, she’s finally on board after spending the summer interning at Black Dog Farm and is now beginning to take on the responsibilities of nurturing, promoting and growing the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program. Ashley was chosen out of a very impressive group applying for the position; not only for her communication skills, which are extremely important for this position, but also because of her abilities to prepare and execute projects, and her professionalism and comfort in group and individual situations.
A little history… I got involved in Farm to Cafeteria about 8 years ago when it was basically a salad bar in the Cafeteria. We did have a school garden nurtured by teachers in the Elementary School, but it wasn’t necessarily viewed as an integral learning center. But, they were two very important precursors to allowing the F2C program to become what it is today. And, because of a growing acceptance of the school administration and cafeteria staff, urging by the community and participation and enthusiasm of parents and donors, it is now a comprehensive program, touching students from Kindergarten through High School by way of experiences in the garden, the farms, the classrooms, the cafeteria and culinary arts.
But it’s time for me to step aside. There is much more this program can achieve in the future with someone with the fresh ideas and energy to take it there. That’s where Ashley comes in. Ashley has been hired by the OISD (made possible by private donors to the F2C Program and the Orcas Island Education Foundation.) She will grow the program in various ways, such as creating a tighter bond with the Island farms, pursuing more grants and creating new fundraising opportunities while continuing favorite special events, and investigating new ways to utilize the new cafeteria and culinary arts spaces for the benefit of the school and F2C. And I’m sure she will have some innovative new concepts to inject as well as she grows into the Program.
“It’s exciting to be a part of a program that so many people believe in and want to see be successful,” Ashley says. “The F2C program combines a good portion of what I’m passionate about: the education of our youth, local and sustainable food systems, and encouraging the engagement of a supportive community. I’m ready to combine my ideas with those of our community and continue to see this program flourish for years to come.”
I’m very confident that Ashley is very capable to do it all with much enthusiasm and expertise. She is a graduate of Humboldt State and Portland State with a BS and MS is Communication and has numerous experiences with food and farms as well as assisting in the classroom. She’s bright, eager and ready to hit the ground running.
The next few years should be very exciting for Farm to Cafeteria!
And to you Madie: thank you for nurturing this program and helping it to blossom. It feeds our community in so many ways: from the students who learn about growing their food, to the healthier food that the cafeteria serves, to the farmers who grow food for our island kids, to all of us who get to see that beautiful garden go through its annual cycles. You have taken a kernel of an idea and helped it bloom into an abundant perennial crop!
We would like to echo what Lisa said. We have been so impressed, Madie, with your seeing this project through from the beginning to where it is now, and because it is so well-established, now you are able to involve others in its leadership. What a program to be proud of!
David and Geri
Madie…you know how I feel. You ARE Farm to Cafeteria. What it is…what it will be…it all rests on you, and your vision.
Our children, our community, is so much better because of your commitment, generosity, and open heart.
I look forward to seeing what Ashley will do. Especially with you by her side..
So much gratitude for all that is Madie Murray!