TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will recognize five school gardens this year with the third annual Florida Farm to School Golden Shovel Awards. The Florida Farm to School Golden Shovel Awards highlight outstanding school garden projects in Florida. The award categories are: Best New Garden, Best Revitalized Garden, Most Creative Learning Environment, Best Use of Produce and Most Community Involvement. Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 1.
“School gardens introduce many students to the agricultural process for the first time and offer hands-on understanding of where Florida’s produce comes from,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Studies show that children involved in growing and harvesting their own food are more likely to make healthier food choices.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates the state’s school nutrition programs, including school breakfast, lunch and Summer BreakSpot, in all 67 counties. Since 2012, the department has worked with dozens of schools across the state to implement and support school gardens. In addition, the department began its own garden in Tallahassee to help educate students, teachers and parents about how to start and maintain a school garden.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Farm to School Golden Shovel Awards, or to enter your school garden, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/FarmtoSchool.
—Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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