Plant, Pick, Plate Program - Empowering Youth Through Gardening and Cooking
By Miranda Thomas
The Johnnie Mae Farm came alive on June 6 with the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of community as the City of Fort Wayne officially launched the Plant, Pick, Plate program — a unique initiative that blends gardening, cooking, and education to empower local youth.
This city-led program is specifically tailored for students in grades 5 through 9, offering immersive experiences in gardening and culinary arts. Participants will learn to plant seeds, grow food, and use the skills they have obtained to apply to the recipes that they are learning from the classes. Participants will be receiving a $25 gift card to the Pontiac Market to encourage healthy eating with their families, representing the long-term impact of this great initiative!
Mayor Sharon Tucker, who attended the launch event, praised the collaboration and vision behind the initiative.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Mayor Tucker. “This is a great program. The team worked hard to pull this together, and it’s so beneficial for the kids.”
The celebration featured a variety of interactive booths and activities. Attendees explored educational resources at the Pontiac Branch Library table, received information about the Fort Wayne SEED initiatives, and engaged with Purdue Fort Wayne Extension’s booth. Families also had the chance to take home fresh, locally grown plants from the farm stand.
One of the day’s highlights was a cooking demonstration led by Kelley Marvin, CEO & President of Inspired Nutrition by Kelley, accompanied by her daughter, Allie Marvin. Kelley focused on teaching the students how to prepare fresh pesto and bruschetta, while emphasizing kitchen safety and knife skills. The session offered a taste — literally and figuratively — of the program’s core goals: education, wellness, and family connection.
Representatives from the Allen County Public Library were also present, reinforcing the significant role literacy plays in every part of the program.
“We’re so excited to kick off summer reading with this kind of energy,” said Joy from the Pontiac Branch. “We want to make sure families know we have diverse titles, especially in Spanish, and we’re here to connect.”
Aisha Arrington, President and CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League, reflected on the larger community impact:
“This kind of startup effort is never easy, but it’s powerful. Kids are the best way to get parents on board. When they’re excited about healthy food, it makes a real difference at home.”
As the kickoff community event concluded, it became clear that Plant, Pick, Plate is more than a seasonal program — it’s a movement toward healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and a more connected Fort Wayne.
To learn more or to enroll a student in the program, visit: https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/plant-pick-plate.