Celebrating 20 Years of FoodPrints 

“Shout out to broccoli for being so tasty on pizza, with mushrooms, or in pasta.
Shout out to trowels for helping us dig holes to plant seedlings in the garden.
Shout out to strawberries for being so versatile that you can put them in so many things, like smoothies and yogurt bowls, or just enjoy them on their own.
Shout out to spatulas for being an amazing go-to kitchen tool that I can use to stir, fold, or scrape a bowl clean.”
– Lauryn and Chaz, 5th graders at Amidon-Bowen Elementary

On March 31, we gathered our incredible community to celebrate 20 years of FoodPrints’ joyful, hands-on food and garden education. With over 100 guests in attendance — FoodPrints teachers, students and their families, partner school teachers and administrators, and supporters and funders —  the party was filled with the same passion, joy, and dedication that have defined the program from the very beginning.

A Uniquely FoodPrints Party

Held at School Within School, the event showcased the hands-on nature of our program, with seed packet-making, oat rolling, and writing and drawing favorite FoodPrints memories. On the communal memory wall, one parent shared: “My children’s routine for trying something unfamiliar is placing the food on their plates, sitting together, counting to three, and taking the first bite at the same time.” Another shared, “Our school community treasures our FoodPrints garden and program. Long may it thrive!” One student wrote, “I love everything!” and another wrote, “making kale salad for the first time, BEST SALAD EVER!”

In FoodPrints fashion, the event featured delicious produce-forward recipes beloved by so many, including Sweet Potato Quesadillas, Sweet Potato Biscuits, and Homemade Crackers. Guests also enjoyed a refreshing homemade Hibiscus Lemon Balm Iced Tea. We were grateful to partner with Eat & Smile Catering, which paired local cheeses with small bites made from ingredients grown by FRESHFARM farmers.

Honoring FoodPrints Impact, Founders, and Supporters

FoodPrints Senior Garden Manager Ehren Vance swapped his trowel for a mic to serve as MC for the program portion of the evening. School Within School Principal John Burst, who graciously hosted us for the celebration, talked about the profoundly positive impact of FoodPrints on the school during his long tenure there. We also heard from Cat Oakar, Executive Director of FRESHFARM, and Kera Tyler, Chief of External Affairs for the District of Columbia Public Schools, who reflected on the far-reaching influence and importance of FoodPrints at our partner schools and in the lives of students and their families.

A highlight of the evening was honoring the many champions who have helped shape and sustain the program. Former FRESHFARM Director of Education Jenn Mampara and current Director of Education Beth Bacon shared the story of FoodPrints, pausing along the way to recognize several champions:

• Bernie Prince, co-founder of FRESHFARM and visionary of the FoodPrints program;
• Bob Percival and the late Barbara Percival, who pioneered the first FoodPrints classes along with Jenn Mampara, and who managed our flourishing school gardens (as a volunteer) for so many years;
• Inés Andrés, on behalf of her father Chef José Andrés, who has brought his gravitas, energy, and philanthropy to help the program grow over the years;
• Rob Jaber of DCPS Food & Nutrition Services, who was the first to formalize food education in schools in DCPS; and
• Council of the District of Columbia Chairman Phil Mendelson and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who have been steady advocates for the city’s investment in experiential food education embedded in DC public schools.

The evening’s brightest stars were two 5th-grade students, Lauryn and Chaz, from Amidon-Bowen Elementary, who delivered several announcements about their love for FoodPrints. Here’s a taste of the original rap they performed (imagine the beat):

FoodPrints… we plant the seeds
FoodPrints… we grate the cheese
FoodPrints… we ask for seconds please
FoodPrints… it teaches me
FoodPrints!

Gratitude for the Past and Hope for the Future 

We closed the evening with gratitude for everyone in the room and for the countless supporters who have made FoodPrints what it is today. As they departed, guests enjoyed a mini farmers market and selected produce from FRESHFARM farmers to cook and eat at home.

We are especially thankful to our event sponsors for their financial support: Longer Tables Fund, CareFirst, Vitamix, Shipt, City National Bank, and Joel Nelson Group.

Here’s to 20 more years of growing, cooking, eating, and learning together!

P. S. Visit our Facebook page to view more photos of the event!

If you didn’t get a chance the day of the event, consider making a gift to FoodPrints here.