USDA, State Leaders Kick off Statewide Farm to School Celebration; Governor O’Malley Declares Sept. 15-19 as Homegrown School Lunch Week

MDA Secretary Buddy Hance (R) presents Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week (Sept. 15-19) proclamation to Gwynn Park High School Principal Tracie Miller.

BRANDYWINE, MD (September 15, 2014) – Educators, farmers, and federal, state and local officials gathered with Gwynn Park High School students in Prince George’s County to kick off the 7^th annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week by eating healthy lunches, full of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Students (and officials) also discussed the diverse opportunities for careers in agriculture and culinary arts. To draw attention to the connection between healthy food and the local farms that grow it, Governor Martin O’Malley officially designated September 15-19, 2014, as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week.

“It is critically important that students learn and understand where our food comes from, and how vital our agriculture industry is to Maryland’s environment, economy, and quality of life,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are extremely encouraged that nearly all 24 of our public school systems and some private schools are participating in this essential educational program.”

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance underscored the importance of Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week and agricultural education. “Our goal is to see more local, fresh food in school lunches, not only to improve childhood health but also to help them learn about the importance of our farms to our environment and daily lives. Homegrown School Lunch week not only provides effective learning activities, it can be an economic opportunity for Maryland farmers and it’s fun for students and other participants.”

Prince George’s County Public Schools, one of the state’s largest school systems, has observed Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week since it began in 2008 by incorporating fresh, local foods in student meals. Today, more than 1,100 students at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Prince George’s County, enjoyed lunches that included café burgers with local tomatoes from Bartenfelder Farm and Boston Bibb lettuce from Chesapeake Greenhouse, vegetable stir fry with local peppers from Bartenfelder Farm, Tuscan kale salad with local kale from Chesapeake Greenhouse and fresh apples from Baugher’s Orchards. Click here for the full menu.

“We know that proper nutrition is essential to academic achievement. Homegrown School Lunch Week increases students’ access to nutritious Maryland-grown product, while educating students on seasonal food production and the availability of local, healthy food,” said State Superintendent Dr. Lillian Lowery. “Homegrown School Lunch Week celebrates the juncture of academia and agriculture, science and health, schools and their communities; this week exemplifies the partnerships that are necessary to prepare world class students.”

“It is vitally important that students be made aware of the various career opportunities available in the agriculture sector,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory L. Parham.

Prior to lunch, agriculture and education officials spoke with about 100 students about the connection between farms and food to enhance student understanding of where their food comes from, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. Remarks also highlighted career opportunities in agriculture and culinary arts. Speakers included U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory L. Parham, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance; State Superintendent Dr. Lillian Lowery, Prince George’s County Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Monica Goldson. Kevin Maxwell, Gwynn Park High School Principal Tracie Miller and student Kason Bibbins. 

All of the Gwynn Park High School Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) and Pro-Start Hospitality Management students had an opportunity to check out the displays provided by the USDA AgDiscovery Program and Bowie Produce and talk with officials about opportunities for careers in agriculture and culinary arts. Dignitaries, escorted by CASE students, toured the school garden and recently renovated greenhouse. The Pro-Start students provided cooking demonstrations and presented food samples featuring produce grown in the school greenhouse and Maryland-grown ingredients such as Asian Style Vegetable Lettuce Wrap Students also had the opportunity to explore the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation (MAEF) Showcase featuring careers in agriculture.

“We are honored to host the statewide kick off for Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools. “This event provides an opportunity to highlight the variety of agricultural education programs available to students, as well as share the importance of incorporating ‘fresh from the farm’ produce into our school meals.”

This year, other county schools are creatively incorporating local protein and developing infrastructure for local farmers into the 2014 Homegrown School Lunch Week. Examples include Caroline County schools sampling Maryland crab soup with local vegetables and crabmeat from J.M. Clayton and Washington County schools serving Chesapeake Macaroni and Cheese with Palmyra Farm Chesapeake Cheddar Cheese.  More details about activities in other counties are available online.

The Homegrown School Lunch Week, an element of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, was created during the 2008 Session of the Maryland General Assembly when SB 158 Farm-to-School Program – Activities and Promotional Events, sponsored by state Senator Jamie Raskin and state Delegate Sheila Hixson of Montgomery County, was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley in May, 2008.

More information about Maryland’s Farm to School program, including educational materials, menus, places to find local products, brief video soundbook with photos and interviews, plus much more for parents, teachers, and food service staff, visit: www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.  For information on the school meals programs, visit: www.eatsmartmaryland.org.  More on the benefits of buying local is available online.

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