An event to celebrate Farm2School Month introduces students to farmers, bakers, and others who supply food for school lunches
Elementary school students in Wayzata will sample farm fresh foods, milk a cow, and plant their own herbs during a fun, family event this Saturday, September 24th. The event, called A Lunchroom Harvest; Fresh and Local Tastes of Culinary Express, is designed to strengthen the connection between students and the people who grow or produce food for school lunches.
“We are committed to providing our students with fresh, healthy lunches and it’s important to teach kids about what they’re eating,” says Mary Anderson, Director of Culinary Express, Nutrition Services of Wayzata Public Schools. “When kids have an opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their apples or carrots and bakers who make their hamburger buns, they become more engaged. They learn that fresh food not only tastes better, but is better for us and that helps create lifelong healthy eating habits.”
Wayzata Public Schools continues to expand its participation in Minnesota’s Farm2School program, which connects schools with local farmers. Twenty-five percent of its food is sourced locally, including milk from Hastings Dairy Co-Op, whole grain breads from Denny’s 5th Avenue Bakery in Bloomington and cheese from Bongards’ Creameries. The State of Minnesota has designated September as Farm2School Month.
Teachers, students and lunchroom staff are also proud of the district’s own student-run greenhouse at Central Middle School. After years of disuse, the greenhouse was renovated and reopened with resources from Culinary Express. The greenhouse lets students to learn lessons in science, nutrition and service to others: the harvest of vegetables becomes a healthy lunch for fellow students. A recently produced video showcases the hands-on curriculum and coincides with a district-wide campaign about healthy lunch options.
Of 10,000 total Wayzata Public Schools students, 6,000 buy daily school lunches. All meals are assembled and cooked in school kitchens, avoiding pre-produced, frozen meals.
WHAT: A Lunchroom Harvest
WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2011 9am – 1pm
WHERE: Wayzata Central Middle School Lunchroom
305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth 55447
Wayzata Public Schools Culinary Express www.wayzata.k12.mn.us 763.745.5154
