LAURINBURG, N.C. — The 2nd Annual Collard Cook-off held at Christmas on Main in Downtown Laurinburg was a huge success. Sponsored by St Andrews University, Pioneer College Caterers, the collard cook-off brings attention to one of our locally grown vegetables that are packed with vitamins and minerals. The Morris Heading collard was developed locally by Morris Plant Farm. Collards are one of the most popular garden vegetables in the South and are rapidly becoming a delicacy in northern states as well.
Scotland Grows organizes the event each year. Scotland Grows, a local food council is a collaboration between Scotland County Cooperative Extension, Growing Change, St. Andrews University, Pioneer College Caterers, Tourism Development Authority and Scotland County Health Department and interested community members. The focus of Scotland Grows is to support local farms and farmers and promote healthy eating, thereby ‘building our community dinner table.’Â
Collard Cook-off sponsors, participants and winners pictured are: (left to right) Catherine DeBerry; Jerry Jernigan, 3rd place; Dr. Debbie Hamner, Growing Change; Peggy Smith, Overall 1st place winner; Brian Oliver, Pioneer College Caterers Food Service Director, Martin English and Dana Knight. Not pictured, Melissa Brooks who placed 2nd in the collard cook-off.Â
For more information on Scotland Grows, contact Scotland County Cooperative Extension at 910-277-2422.Â
–N.C. State Extension Scotland County