December 3, 2022 –Southern University at Shreveport’s (SUSLA) Milam Street Kitchen Incubator and Community Kitchen (MS KICK), in collaboration with Shreveport Green Urban Farm, Hosted Cooking It Up & Holiday Harvest for the residents of Bayou Grande Apartments, Choice Neighborhood, and McAdoo Hotel. This Healthy Food Demo Potluck was an initiative that the two collaborating organizations had always wanted to provide to local residents and it finally came to fruition for the Christmas Holidays. The Holiday Potluck Menu consisted of Braised Kale & Mustard Greens, Butternut Squash & Kale Soup, Caramel Apple Egg Rolls, Smoked Meats (Turkey, Salmon & Ham), Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Jerk Dressing, Mini Sweet Potato Pies, and Pistolettes.
The cooking demonstrations were led by Chef Robyne (Island Vibez), Chef Nate (Big Nate’s BBQ & More), Chef Chris (So Goody Good Meal Preps), Chef Joslin (Vegans on the Run), and Chef Mosa (Sassi Catering). Shreveport Green began by harvesting their Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and Hydroponic Kale and received Mustard greens and Sweet Potatoes from local farmers. These produce items were handed over to the chefs and made into healthy amazing meals through specially chosen recipes.
Local residents joined in on this hands-on demonstration to prepare the potluck meals. Working in small groups, they prepped, cooked, and enjoyed eating and fellowshipping together. Each Chef also prepared additional sides to make the Pot Luck balanced and complete. Afterward, kitchen and household gifts were given out through a raffle to all participants. The two Grand Prize baskets filled with household essentials and baby supplies were donated Ta’Sheka Young of Young Hands, LLC. Lauren Jones, Urban Farm Director of Shreveport Green stated, “It was a beautiful time of fellowship. Where farm, chefs, and community intersect! It was priceless!!”, when asked about the positive impacts of the Holiday Food Demo Potluck. Holiday Harvest was also made positive with the support of Volunteers of America North Louisiana, Urban Farm Farmers Shanetta Brown, and Local Farmers/Farm Ryan Farms and Jeff Lynn.
The Community Garden was built on the grounds of MS KICK and is a collaboration with MS KICK and Shreveport Green which is funded through a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation Grant.
This Community Learning Garden is used to educate the Community on how to sustain their own personal garden, utilize seasonal produce for healthy living, and also provide cooking skills and healthy workshops. Shreveport Green’s Mobile Market hosts a fresh produce pop-up at MS KICK on a monthly basis.
MS KICK is located at 1210 Milam Street in Shreveport. To see our Calendar of Events held at MS KICK and more information about our programming please visit www.mskick.org. To set up a tour or consultation, or host a Food Cooking Demo at MS KICK please contact Interim Executive Director, Monique Armand at 318-670-9780 or email mskick@susla.edu.
