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Christie Administration to mark farm to school week September 22-26 - Click to enlarge
Schools Throughout the State Planning Festivities Surrounding Jersey Fresh Produce

For Immediate Release: September 22, 2016
Contact: Lynne Richmond (609) 610-3526
E-mail:  lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us

 

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the 6th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week will be held September 26-30 to celebrate the partnerships being built between state farmers and schools which encourage schools to purchase produce from local farmers to incorporate into school meals.

“During Farm to School Week, we want to recognize all schools that have worked to incorporate more nutritious Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables into their meal programs and teach children about the importance of our state’s agriculture industry,” said Secretary Fisher.  “We continue to build our Farm to School program and invite all schools around the state to participate.”

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has planned events next week at some of the many successful farm to school programs.  During the course of the week, Secretary Fisher will present the first annual Best in New Jersey Farm to School Award.  More details coming soon.

Tuesday, September 27, 10:30 a.m. -- Kick-off at Morris County Vocational School, 400 East Main Street, Denville.  Secretary Fisher, NJDA Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario and Farm to School Coordinators will visit the cafeteria and speak to students about farming in New Jersey and sample some of the locally-sourced items in their school lunch.

Wednesday, September 28, 11 a.m. – Robeson Elementary School, 350 Cuyler Avenue, Trenton.  NJ Department of Agriculture Farm to School Coordinators will observe a Jersey Fresh taste-testing event, along with FoodCorps NJ and Isles representatives.

Thursday, September 29, 11 a.m. – Hopewell Elementary School, 35 Princeton Avenue, Hopewell.  NJDA Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario and Farm to School Coordinators will visit the school garden, meet with local farmers, see chef demonstrations and then sample a Jersey Fresh lunch along with students.

Many other schools throughout the state are planning their own Farm to School Week celebrations.  Check with your local school for specific activities. Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week was established by law in 2010 to bring attention to the Farm to School Program, which connects schools to local farmers to increase the amount of local fresh produce available for consumption by students during the school day.

For more information on the New Jersey Farm to School Program, visit www.farmtoschool.nj.gov.