Front Page - Starting with a simple idea - Starting with a simple idea

Congratulations to Starla and Robin Krause, recipients of the Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service, for their work on behalf of the students at Loring Elementary School and our community. This award recognizes citizens who "attend, unite and empower others to improve the quality of life for present and future generations in Minnesota." 

    Five years ago Starla and Robin Krause approached Loring School Principal Jane Thompson.  They had a simple idea.  They wanted to teach children to cook and they began their program with a handful of fifth grade students. Each week they met after school and created meals with fresh food, imagination and passion. Children learned to bake bread, chop fresh vegetables and they would eat the foods their mothers had long given up on. The year culminated with a benefit dinner and cake auction. Good, fresh and simple foods were presented to the guests and the evening culminated with the most elaborate cakes anyone could imagine. Starla and Robin had brought together guests from across the city, and together with the families at Loring School they pooled there money, purchased the cakes and a new tradition was born at the school, the annual "Kids Cook Cake Auction."

    Their idea was the seed and that first year they set down the roots of the program. Since then the program has grown to include a beautiful school yard garden, planted and cared for by children at the school and families from the surrounding community. The after-school classes have moved into the everyday life of the school. The children plant the seeds, care for the garden, harvest the produce and bring the harvest into the classroom for science, math and life lessons. Many times throughout the spring and summer the children, together with Starla and Robin, host community pot lucks in the garden. There is plenty to enjoy at these events; food, music, a campfire and the conversations that create neighbors out of individuals.

    The McKnight Foundation selected well by choosing Robin and Starla Krause. They have a vision for our children that will last a lifetime. Thank you Starla and Robin.