2011 PRESS RELEASES
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October 31, 2011
Virginia Schools Celebrate Third Annual
Farm To School Week November 7-11, 2011
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686
Students throughout Virginia will get a taste of life on the farm as schools celebrate the third annual Virginia Farm to School Week November 7-11, 2011. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Department of Education encourage schools from kindergarten through college to serve Virginia Grown foods that week. Virginia’s Farm to School program links area farms and schools, providing local food items such as fruits, vegetables and meats to school cafeterias. A 2009 study by the Virginia Food System Council (VFSC) reported that since the General Assembly directed the implementation of the Virginia Farm-to-School Program in 2007, there has been a 300 percent increase in Virginia foods served in public and private schools.
Virginia’s Farm to School program not only promotes local foods, but encourages activities and conversations within schools about nutrition and agriculture, says Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS’ Commissioner and former teacher. “School cafeterias certainly will serve as the hub of Farm to School activities during the week of November 7-11, and you’ll also notice special agricultural lessons inside classrooms and school gymnasiums. Virginia farmers have been invited into some schools to share their experiences with students and in other cases students may be given the opportunity to participate in a farm tour in their area.”
In the city of Richmond, G.H. Reid Elementary School will host a Farm to School kick-off celebration for 3rd and 5th graders on Monday, November 7, beginning at 10 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Area farmers will join students that morning, answering questions and talking about the foods they grow. On Wednesday, November 9, students will taste test apple varieties. On Thursday, the school plans a potato head contest and on Friday, students will be treated to an apple cider press demonstration and obstacle course and sack races. Virginia Grown menu items planned each day at G.H. Reid Elementary include cabbage, collards, carrots and sweet potatoes.
The Local Food Hub in Charlottesville partners with public and private schools and universities to provide locally grown and produced foods for lunch menus and snack programs. In the last two years, more than 200,000 pounds of local, Virginia grown apples have been served in the Charlottesville area’s public schools.
In the Shenandoah Valley, Augusta County, Harrisonburg, Rockbridge County, Staunton and Waynesboro school districts agreed to procure and purchase nearly 30,000 pounds of local beef for the 2010-2011 school year. This commitment resulted in more than $75,000 being reinvested in the local farm and business community.
“Farm to School is a win-win situation for schools and Virginia farmers,” said Commissioner Lohr. “Farmers can feel proud that their hard work in the fields is providing healthier menu options for school children in the Commonwealth.”
For more Farm to School information and resources visit VDACS’ website or contact the Marketing Division at 804.786.3530.