Two South Whidbey farmers and nutritional therapists are leading a new cooking program chock-full of nourishing seasonal foods found right here on the island.
The new offering, known as Whole Systems Kitchen, is all part of the Organic Farm School’s efforts to connect people eating food with the ones growing and harvesting it.
“I’m deeply excited about it,” Executive Director Judy Feldman said. “Not just because it’s a program for us but I think it’s something people are hungry for, no pun intended, to better understand the food system.”
Led by Jenny Goff and Bethany-Lynn Rodriguez, the monthly sessions will educate participants about meat, eggs, vegetables and herbs – what and how long it takes to grow them, how climate change might impact that, how they are harvested, the challenges of processing, tips for storing and preserving them, their nutritional profile and how to prepare them for maximum health benefits and flavor.
Each session takes place 4-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, meaning the first one is coming up on Jan. 16. Sessions cost $90 individually or $900 for the full 12-month series. Friends of the Farm members receive a 20% discount.
Though it’s only been a few days since its inception, the new program has already piqued some interest. Feldman said three spots have already been claimed; there is room for six to 12 people in each session.
The Organic Farm School workshops will include a cooking demonstration. This could take place in the well-equipped kitchen of the Feed & Seed house, down at the woodfire oven or on a barbecue. For an additional charge, visitors can stay overnight at the Feed & Seed.
“We think everybody should know more about their food,” Feldman said.
With their partners, Goff and Rodriguez have both been involved in regenerative farming, which is a method of growing food that aims to restore and improve the health of the environment, soil and biodiversity. Recently, they received certifications in nutritional therapy, a practice that focuses on a holistic approach to nutrition and the things that can affect it, such as digestion, minerals and blood sugar.
“It’s based on whole foods from traditions spanning thousands of years and just talking about really getting as close to the earth, basically, with food as you can get,” Goff said, “and then if you need other supplements and stuff, that’s something, but it’s more about just trying to eat as best you can in a really natural, wholesome way.”
The name for Whole Systems Kitchen is based on the idea that these different systems – of farming, food and nutrition — are supposed to work symbiotically and synergistically with each other.
Goff has a broad culinary background. She started working on mega yachts as a chef in her early 20s. She previously had a catering business on Whidbey but now is one of the chefs at Hedgebrook, a nonprofit that offers writing retreats for women.
She and Rodriguez will prepare food for participants of the session, who will leave with recipes in hand. Each month will dive into a new nutritional therapy concept.
“This is accessible to anybody. You don’t have to be a five-star chef to do it or anything like that,” Rodriguez said. “But, you’ll be amazed at what you can do with these very simple tools and techniques.”
Seasonal food will be sourced from the Organic Farm School and other farms around Whidbey.
“The Organic Farm School is such an asset, and I just hope that people realize that,” Goff said.
Email info@organicfarmschool.org to reserve your spot in one of the upcoming sessions.
(Photo provided) Session participants will learn simple recipes, such as leek and pumpkin risotto with crispy pork roast.
(Photo provided) Bethany-Lynn Rodriguez acquired her nutritional therapy certification in 2023 and is beginning her regenerative farming journey on South Whidbey.
