Future Farmers' Food judged jersey fresh

​Students from the Salem County Career and Technical High School's Future Farmers of America Chapter used local products last week in cook-off competition at the school, and the American Littoral Society's Shane Godshall served as a judge.

Shane, who is Habitat Restoration Coordinator for the Littoral Society in the Delaware Bay region, was asked to judge the contest because of past work he has done with the FFA chapter. FFA students work on projects such as biological security on farms, hydroponics, and Diamondback Terrapin rehabilitation. Shane has previously spoken to FFA students and others at the Vo-Tech on topics such as land preservation, storm water issues, and Delaware Bay habitat restoration.

For the contest students were divided into four groups and given an hour to prepare a meal from an assortment of locally sourced ingredients. The dishes were judged on several components such as taste, presentation, and the use of Jersey Fresh (locally produced) ingredients. Many of the local ingredients came right from the student's family farms. Dishes included venison sheppard’s pie, rabbit sausage and chicken with peach salsa, eggs with potato hash, and a lamb burger with mint sauce (the winning dish).

Shane and the Littoral Society were pleased to participate in the cook-off, because it emphasizes shared concerns and solutions. Buying locally grown/sourced food builds an awareness of the environment and how it impacts our food.  Additionally, buying Jersey Fresh products reduces the carbon footprint from transportation and strengthens local communities.

Since 1961 the Littoral Society has worked to develop environmental stewardship through community involvement. We also enjoy good food.

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