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Photo of a Salad Bar in a school - Click to enlarge
Schools Throughout the State Planning Festivities Surrounding Jersey Fresh Produce

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2012
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the 2nd annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week will be held September 24-28 to encourage schools to purchase produce from local farmers to incorporate in school meals.

“We are seeing an increased interest in the Farm to School program and have been working to connect schools with New Jersey farmers,” said Secretary Fisher.  “Farm to School Week holds a special significance this year since new federal regulations have gone into effect requiring school meals include increased quantities and varieties of vegetables and fruit.”

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

Monday, September 24 – Awarding of School Garden of the Year Award, Eugene A. Tighe Middle School, Margate

Thursday, September 27 – Debut of New School Salad Bar, Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School, Haddonfield

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.