Volunteering with City Blossoms

Mika and Hannah G. checking out the garden harvest. (Photo by Hannah Cather) 

Mika Weinstein (left) worked with FRN last year, and while we miss her dearly, she's currently doing awesome things with Food Corps and City Blossoms.  Through her, our team was able to volunteer at Cleveland Elementary School in the Shaw/Howard neighborhood of DC. We had a great time weeding, mulching, painting and listening to the children play after school. Cleveland's garden is popular with the students - many of them came running over as soon as the bell rang!

"It was incredible seeing FRN's former Member Support Vista in action at her new position with City Blossoms! You could tell that the students were really excited about the garden at Cleveland Elementary, and it felt great to work on the garden for an afternoon - knowing that students get so much joy out of it." - Mia Zavalij 

Cam harvesting some Swiss chard. (Photo by Hannah Cather)

Erin, Jamie, Cassidy and Sara painting signs for the garden.  (Photo by Hannah Cather)

Mia enjoying some of the herbs from the garden. (Photo by Hannah Cather)

The FRN Team + Mika 

Thank you, Mika, for giving us this fun opportunity to give back to our community! Don't stop being a leader!

FRN A Finalist in Newman's Own "Greens for Good" Contest

Since 1982 Newman’s Own Foundation has been donating all of their profits to charity, and now they’re taking their “give it all away” mission one step further by sponsoring the “Greens for Good” contest. In this contest, individuals submit an original salad recipe using a dressing from the Newman’s Own line for the chance to win $35,000 for an organization of their choice.

After hearing about this competition one of our fellows, Jamie, brainstormed all of the delicious salad ingredients she could think of and  came up with what we think is an awesome combination: arugula, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, green apples, dried cherries, pepita seeds and Newman’s Own Parmesan and Roasted Garlic dressing. Apparently, the judges agree! We are very excited to announce that Jamie’s salad is now a finalist in the competition. If she wins, the prize money will go to FRN and allow us to donate 35,000 meals to hungry Americans.

To help us fight waste and feed people, please vote for the “Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad with Newman's Own Parmesan & Roasted Garlic Dressing” once a day until October 5. We’ll be sure to let you know the results, but in the meantime, why not share this wonderful recipe (perfect for fall!) with your family and friends.