April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we couldn’t achieve our mission, make our vision a reality, or express our values without our incredible and generous volunteers.
Anyone who has done it will tell you that volunteering at a worthy organization is one of the most rewarding activities in which one can participate. Our volunteers, who spend their hours with our students and staff at Edible Education Experience, are no different.
We love and appreciate every minute our volunteers spend with us. During the month of April, we are pleased to highlight some who wanted to share their experience about volunteering at Edible Education Experience.
Here’s what some of our volunteers have to say about their time at Edible Education Experience:
“Shortly before I retired from Orange County Public Schools, our students from OCPS A.C.E. came to Edible Education Experience on a field trip. When the students and teachers returned and told me about their experience, I knew it would be a great place for me to volunteer my time. I’ve always been passionate about encouraging healthy eating with my students. Edible Education Experience brings this to life with their seed-to-table education. It’s a life changing experience." --Shelley K.
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"The experience I most value is my time on Sunday mornings in the Culinary Garden. It is the highlight of my week. I have tried vegetable gardening at home with mixed results. From my time in the garden assisting Brad, I have learned about soil, seeds and planting cycles. Brad has created an outdoor refuge so beautiful and inspiring. I have gained enough confidence to attempt more gardening at home. But more than that, I enjoy our Sundays for the companionship of like-minded people who care about food and the stewardship required to grow it.
I'm proud to be a contributor to this facility that educates kids about healthy eating. I know that the students will remember their time in the garden at some point in their adult life. I can almost envision them in their kitchens saying, ‘I learned how to make this great curry in 6th grade.’ “ — Claudia B.
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“It’s an honor to not only be able to volunteer with such an amazing, knowledgeable, and fun-filled group of people at the Edible Education Experience; but also an honor to be highlighted as a volunteer. As a chef, I have not only a thirst for knowledge but a respect for the art. As a volunteer at EEE, it has allowed me to be both the planter and harvester. It has allowed me to help impart the art and joy of food into the minds of both youth and adults, and also taught me how to incorporate techniques and skills from others as well. The facility is a learning experience for everyone: whether it’s in the garden, in the kitchen, or learning better skills through teamwork from the kids. I’m grateful, privileged, and honored to be associated with a momentous movement that is the Edible Education Experience. Thank you for everything.” -- Derrick L.
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"Being an Edible Education Experience volunteer is quite a blessing and rewarding experience for me. I love to see the kids and chefs at work. Helping in a few small ways gives me great joy! There is always excitement among the children and adults as they learn to cook and make good choices for healthy living. Thank you Janice Banks and the staff for giving me this opportunity to serve and work with wonderful people! You guys are awesome!" -- Nancy D.
If you are interested in volunteering with Edible Education Experience, please click HERE for more info.