4Roots
October 2020Friends,
Inspiring and educating students is core to our mission. And it’s collaborations with partners like Orange County Public Schools that are helping us inspire and educate the community about the important relationship between the food we eat and how it is grown. It’s a balance that is so important to our local economy, the environment and our own personal health. This month, we reflect on some of the earliest expressions of the 4Roots Farm Campus through school farms in our community. Thank you for joining us as we work to build a better food future in Florida… together.
John Rivers
CEO and Founder
4Roots and 4R Restaurant Group
Local Students Grow Their Own Food
Hear from John Rivers and FOX35 on how 4Roots is inspiring and educating agriscience students at Edgewater High School on the food they eat and where it comes from.
Florida Farm Feature + Recipe: Infinite Zion Farms
Now more than ever, local food production is critically important to our food supply chain. That’s why urban farming is key, and one of our neighbors, Infinite Zion Farms, has ambitious plans to make an impact with the South Street Urban Farm.
Learn how Founder Raymond Warthen is bringing fresh produce and opportunity to Parramore, and then try your hand at Raymond’s recipe for Stewed Okra.
30 Seconds With… Gannon Miles
Veggie: Broccoli has always been one of my favorites. It goes well with most proteins.
Local Farm: Long & Scott Farms. They produce the one-of-a-kind Triple Sweet Zellwood corn which is not only unique and only produced by them, but in my opinion, the best corn on the market.
Passion Project: My biggest passion is for the outdoors and conservation. I have spent all my life hunting, fishing and enjoying all the recreational opportunity Florida offers. I take great pride in ensuring these gifts are able to be passed down for future generations to enjoy.
Alligator OR Tiger: As a graduate of Auburn University, I have to say tiger. Although, I respect the alligator tremendously because of its role as the keystone species of the Florida swamps and Everglades.
Little-Known Fact: I have a degree in agriculture. My passion for the outdoors and conservation led me down this path so that I could study ways in which to improve agricultural practices and ensure future generations not only have access to food, but respect and preserve the land that it comes from.
Partner Feature: Orange County Public Schools
Since 2016, 4Roots has partnered with Orange County Public Schools to support agriculture education programs from elementary to high school, with a mission to inspire students to think and learn about how and where food is grown, and to consider careers in related industries.
After investing in the renovation of the horticulture facilities at Ocoee High School, students are now growing and harvesting produce to sell to their cafeteria for use in their school lunches. Revenue from the sale of this produce is reinvested into the agriculture program.
