This year’s Duke Energy recipe book, “The Grassroots Garden,” grew out of students’ garden at Paw Creek Elementary School in Charlotte, N.C.
Duke Energy followed a group of students at Paw Creek as they planted, nourished and harvested the garden to promote sustainable practices and education. In addition to cultivating colorful produce for the recipes, the program also promoted a love for outdoor science experiences and inspired a new generation of environmental stewards.
The project started in spring 2022 when the students got their hands dirty and planted the first group of seeds. As temperatures rose and summer arrived, the garden flourished and it was time to harvest.
Using the ingredients of their garden, the students spent a day at Johnson & Wales University’s culinary arts kitchen, where they learned how to cook fruits and vegetables they grew.
The project is a collaboration between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Duke Energy Foundation, Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute and Out Teach.
Click here to scroll through the interactive recipe book and follow along on the students’ journey.
