Mercer Island values its children. Their education and well-being affects us all. It is not a stretch to say we want them to have healthy, productive lives with a sustainable future.
Food is an opportunity to teach our kids about nutrition, stewardship and advocacy in a sustainable society. It is a basic need; it is central to human health; its production can either be restorative of our land or devastating to it. Children thrive or languish depending on the nutrition they receive.
The fifth annual Leap For Green Fair is on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, hosted by IslandVision and the City of Mercer Island.
It is being called “The Food Edition.” We have picked this topic, which is central to a sustainable society, drilling deep to understand how the choices we make affect ourselves and the world we live in. There will be farm animals, a kids’ planting activity, a chicken cooping workshop, a cooking activity with Chef Tom, live music and a whole lot more. As always, this popular event is fun for kids of all ages.
We are asking all participants to bring a nonperishable food item as a donation to the MIYFS Food Pantry and their own water bottle to refill at the water stations.
The Mercer Island Food Revolution, a PTA group, is working to raise awareness and advocate for quality food choices for our children in the schools. On Wednesday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Islander Middle School, they — along with Chartwells, our district’s food provider — will host a community dinner. Admission is first come, first served, with a suggested donation of $10 per adult. Sharing meals brings people together.
Come enjoy a healthy, fresh meal with your friends and neighbors. Everyone is welcome.
These two events unite us the way that food always has, where we can collectively enjoy the bounty and consider its impacts.
As our children grow, it is incumbent on us as a community to teach the value of quality nutrition, and the importance of caring for the earth that feeds us. Assuring that every member of our world community has access to healthy, nutritious food will allow us all to thrive.
Linda Floyd is a parent of three children who attend Lakeridge Elementary and is one of the founders of the Mercer Island Food Revolution.
