The Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro held its weekly meeting, Tuesday night, October 18, 2022, at the Rustic Grille at 7:00 p.m. with President Tammy Allen presiding. There were 24 in attendance including one guest, Kim Hooks. Three prizes were won by three different members; a pound cake that was donated by Glenn Briercheck was won by David Gribbin, a Domino's pizza that was donated by Domino's Pizza was won by Dianna Wedincamp and the green-thumb prize was won by Petite Garrett. Chair Garrett spotlighted Kiwanis member Jim Daughtry who is known for his position as the mayor of Stillmore and most recently responsible for the new water tower in Stillmore. Daughtry is active in Scout Troop 75 and enjoys outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, and biking as well as a good slice of his favorite desert, apple pie. He is famous for his life-time guaranteed hat and has been married to his wife Bobbie for over 40 years. The two enjoy spending time with their two grandchildren. The presentation for the evening was presented by retired elementary school teacher, Kim Hooks, who is the Farm to School Coordinator for the Emanuel County School System. Farm to School connects all parts of the food system with all aspects of the school day. It creates an educational opportunity for students to identify where food comes from, learn why it is important, and apply knowledge from all subject areas in an engaging way. Agriculture is an integral part of Emanuel County's economy. Emanuel County has 465 farms, and 98% of those are family owned. The Farm to School program enriches the connection among students, teachers, and farmers and empowers children and their families to make healthy food choices while strengthening the local economy. It also allows students to get their hands dirty by touching the soil, planting seeds, harvesting crops, and cooking the harvest. Hooks presented Kiwanis members with Journey 2050; an education program that challenges participants to let students understand how Agriculture will sustainably feed nearly 10 billion people by the year 2050. The students can tend vegetable gardens at their school, grow plants in a greenhouse, care for chickens in chicken coops, and have contact with farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cows. Farm to School is planning a Farm Day at the Georgia Sports Arena on November 18, starting at 7:30 a.m. Hands-on learning demonstrations will be available and will including learning how to milk a cow to a presentation on the Georgia Southern Raptor.
