Across Georgia, schools are partnering with farmers to bring fresh foods to children and enhance healthy school meals. Last week, schools celebrated National School Lunch Week, which focused on helping students understand the origin of food. In addition, it highlighted benefits of nutritious school lunches that help children grow strong and healthy. As part of the campaign, schools supported the first National Farm to School Month in October, which encouraged students to try new menu items, promoted locally grown foods and supported local farmers.
Schools use learning tools such as a harvest-of-the-month menus, school gardens and meet-the-farmer educational presentations to celebrate National School Lunch Week. Liberty County elementary schools also are sponsoring a fresh fruit and vegetable program to introduce children to a variety of produce. Learning activities are planned for each fruit or vegetable that is presented to the children.
“We are excited to promote this year’s National School Lunch Week and the first National Farm to School Month,” Liberty County School System Nutrition Director Chris Reddick said. “The School Nutrition Association has worked hard to provide our Georgia schools with the resources needed to create successful farm-to-school activities and events where children can learn to incorporate eating healthy, locally grown foods into their lives.”