Students turn apples into lunchroom treat

On Oct. 5, students in Thermopolis Middle School's Farm to School class travelled to Circle J Ranch at Tensleep to pick apples for the school lunch program, while also learning about the history of Circle J, the irrigation system and how the orchard is cared for. The class brought 20 pounds of apples back with them, peeled them and cored them to be used in an apple cobbler Monday.

Students Eli McCumber and Wyatt McDermott explained they picked apples from the ground as well as the trees, and Circle J provided them with buckets, apple pickers and a few ladders. They were usually trying to get them from the ground, as a recent storm made for plenty to scoop up. They both had a chance to sample the apples while they worked, and agreed they were a little sweet, but it depended on the apple. In addition to the 20 pounds collected for the school, kids who brought money could also take some home.

For those who think the Farm to School class is all about the crops, the students noted they are studying furs and predators, though they do tie it back into farming and ranching.

In addition to picking and using the apples, students in the class have also collected and utilized potatoes and Hessenthaler corn. There are also plans to build a greenhouse, to allow them to grow crops in the colder months. Teacher Becky Martinez said a grant was received through the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, though a date for construction has not been set.

As for the impact the locally grown food is having on the school, Martinez said on the day the potatoes were served 90 percent of the students participated in the hot lunch program.