Planet Manhasset had a successful inaugural farm-to-table fundraiser luncheon recently at Osteria Leana in Oyster Bay. With a packed restaurant, the Manhasset ladies enjoyed delicious food while hearing from experts in the farm-to-table arena. Both Bhavani Jaroff from Slow Food North Shore, and Kristin Zecher from Aura, the farm-to-table restaurant rating app, shared insights on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle as it relates to the food we eat and purchase. Chef and owner Peter Van Der Mije, CIA trained, spoke about his vision for a restaurant sourced from local farmers and purveyors, and the use of eco-responsible business practices.
Planet Manhasset held this luncheon to raise funds for and share information about the three organic gardens that they maintain districtwide. The gardens have been in existence since 2013 and are used by students, parents, teachers and community members. The gardens are used as a tool to help students learn about the plant life cycle, to understand the importance of sourcing food locally, and to empower the students to make better choices about the food they eat.
While at the luncheon, Planet Manhasset introduced summer opportunities that are available to Manhasset students. This initiative, the Sustainability Program, offers students the opportunity to understand the lifecycle of what we eat by planting, tending and harvesting their own food. In addition the students will enjoy field trips to environmentally responsible businesses. These students will receive community service hours for time spent in the program.
For more information about Planet Manhasset and the programs it offers, contact SCA Planet Manhasset President Zari Ginsburg, zaribg@hotmail.com or SCA Planet Manhasset Director of Sustainability Jane Viola, janecviola@gmail.com.
