TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher announced the 7th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week will be held Sept. 25-29 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 have an energetic Farm to School program and encourage all schools in the state to participate.”
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has planned events next week at one farm and two schools that exemplify the many successful farm to school partnerships throughout the state.
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. — Jersey Tastes Kickoff at A.T. Buzby Farm, 21 Black Road, Pilesgrove, NJ, 08098. Secretary Fisher, NJDA Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario and Farm to School Coordinators Beth Feehan and Chris Cirkus, USDA officials and state and local legislators will visit the farm. The highlight of the day will be the start of the Jersey Tastes program, beginning with the tomato as the featured vegetable of the month. The day will include a group shot of everyone in attendance taking a bite of Jersey Fresh tomato at the same time.
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. — West Caldwell Tech High School, 620 Passaic Ave, West Caldwell, NJ 07006. NJDA Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario, Farm to School Coordinators Beth Feehan and Chris Cirkus and local officials will tour the school’s greenhouse, see a demonstration by the school’s culinary students and observe school lunch.
Thursday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. — Lafayette Elementary School, 221 Lafayette Ave, Chatham Township, NJ 07928. NJDA Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Tricario and Farm to School Coordinators Beth Feehan and Chris Cirkus and local officials will visit the school garden, view the indoor growing lab where plants are started during the winter and also view lunch time.
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.
— New Jersey Department of Agriculture