TRAER – Last fall’s well-received freezer meal fundraiser sponsored by North Tama’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter is back and this time open to the wider public.

For those with students at North Tama, samples of the three fundraiser offerings will again be available for tasting during this week’s parent-teacher conferences set for Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31. Offerings this spring are similar to the fall fundraiser and include the main dishes of french onion chicken casserole and 3-cheese ziti, along with homemade garlic bread.

The “comforting” french onion casserole is described as “tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a creamy blend of chicken soup, rich french onion dip, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with a crunchy layer of french fried onions.”

Not to be outdone, the equally comforting 3-cheese ziti is described as ziti noodles layered with a creamy blend of cottage, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, plus a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and fresh basil – all finished with a mozzarella topping.

An order of homemade garlic bread includes eight full-size pieces “generously spread with a rich blend of butter, olive oil, garlic, and a hint of parsley.”

All meals arrive frozen in a square 8-inch pan that serves four; the two main dishes cost $10 apiece, while an order of garlic bread is $3.

North Tama’s family and consumer sciences teacher Rachel Donaldson told the newspaper the fundraiser is based on a similar endeavor a fellow FCS teacher organizes, but using meals original to the North Tama program. FCCLA members prepare all of the orders under Donaldson’s supervision.

“Proceeds will go towards FCCLA events such as the Iowa FCCLA Leadership Conference,” Donaldson said before adding, “Anyone in the community is more than welcome to order.”

The order window closes Friday, April 17, with pickup slated for Tuesday, April 21 (alternate arrangements can be made at the time of order placement).

To place an order, obtain a copy of the freezer meal order form, or for more information, email Mrs. Donaldson at rachel.donaldson@n-tama.k12.ia.us. Payment is due at order placement and can be made by cash or check in the North Tama main office.

And for those unable to sample the meals this week, a little food truck birdie informed the newspaper all options are ‘super good’ and well worth a spot on your weeknight table.