USDA, State Leaders Celebrate Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week; Prince George’s Co. High School Event Slated for Sept. 15

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Students in hundreds of public schools across the state will get a taste of fresh, Maryland-grown and produced food in their lunches during the seventh annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 15-19. A statewide celebration with special educational activities and local lunch with students, farmers, federal, state and local officials will take place at Gwynn Park High School in Prince George’s County from 10:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 15.

Homegrown School Lunch Week is an element of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, when SB 158 was signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley following the 2008 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. The program is designed to help educate students about the origin of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet as well as to expand markets for Maryland farmers. More information: www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.

WHAT:         

Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Statewide Celebration                                 

WHEN:

Monday, Sept. 15

WHERE:      

Speaking program begins at 10:30 a.m.; followed by tour of school garden, greenhouse, cooking demonstrations, taste testing and lunch featuring local Maryland produce with students at 11:45 p.m.

Gwynn Park High School (Prince George’s County)

13800 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613  (301) 372-0140

WHO:            

U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory L. Parham; USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance; State Superintendent Dr. Lillian Lowery, Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell, and Gwynn Park High School Principal Tracie Miller.  

NOTE:          

Please confirm attendance by calling 410-841-5888 or 410-841-5889.