“During this week, we will highlight the many creative ways schools around the state are utilizing local produce in their meals programs,” said Secretary Fisher.  “From school gardens, to tastings, to using products Made with Jersey Fresh, school officials understand the value of teaching students about the importance of our local agriculture and how eating fruits and vegetables improves nutrition, which can help students perform better in school.”

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the New Jersey Farm to School Network, has planned several events around the state to highlight successful farm to school programs:

Monday, September 26 – Garden Tour, Riverside Elementary School, Princeton

Tuesday, September 27 – Apple Tasting, Village Elementary School, West Windsor

Wednesday, September 28 – School Food Service Tour, Tri-County Cooperative Auction Market, East Windsor

Thursday, September 29 – Potatoes and Corn Cooking Contest, PS #17, Jersey City

Friday, September 30 – Corn Three Ways and Made with Jersey Fresh Tasting, Gloria M. Sabater Elementary School, Vineland.

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 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.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/farm_to_school.html.