Ag department launches EGGcellent way to fight hunger

At Nicholas County High School the agriculture department has taken on some new direction with the addition of two new ag teachers, Ashley Rogers and Cameron Earlywine.

One of the new directions was bringing chickens into the school and classroom, not only for educational purposes, but to help the community.

With a grant from the Mulhollem Cravens Foundation Rogers launched a project titled “An EGGcellent way to fight hunger.”

“When Mr. Earlywine and I first started teaching here, we noticed there was a need for hunger relief in the community. We wanted to start something that would benefit students and the community. We started last January with 25 chickens. Our students have raised them from small day old chicks to almost a year old. Our chickens have laid dozens of eggs. With the help of the Mrs. Hunter the family resource department, we have gathered more than 100 dozen of eggs,” Rogers said. “We chose eggs because chickens are easy to care for and an egg has a perfect protein score. Protein is lacking in the diets of many. Eggs can be used in so many ways.”

FRYSC director Paula Hunter distributes the eggs to needy families in Nicholas County.

It’s not only families with kids who benefit.

Many of the seniors in the community have also gotten “egg” assistance.

The ag department and FFA will also be bringing back the greenhouse at the high school again this year.

They will be growing vegetables for sale including herbs, peppers and tomatoes of all kinds.

They will also have flowers and ferns.

The special items this season will be Blue Begonia for hanging baskets and planters.

Signs will go up outside the high school when the greenhouse is open.

Typically the greenhouse operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. from April until school lets out in May.

Last year the greenhouse cleared $250 which was turned into a scholarship for an FAA student who showed extra effort working the greenhouse and serving customers.

The hope is to add additional scholarships if profits increase.

“We love providing for the community. We hope to expand this summer by starting a hunger relief garden.”

A committee has been formed with the ag department, Forest Retreat, Economic Development, the County Extension Office and Wedco to work together on a “community garden” project,” Rogers said.

It will also involve a Farm to Fork Dinner event at Forest Retreat, involving the FFA students.

The group looks forward to participating at the Farmer’s Market downtown Carlisle this summer as well.

The Farm to Fork committee will meet Jan. 18, at 3:45 p.m., at Forest Retreat.

The event is open to anyone interested in helping out.