State Leaders to Kick-off Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week; Frederick Douglass 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 ninth annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 19-23. A statewide celebration with ribbon-cutting ceremony, speaking program, tasting station and tour of new hoop houses and school garden with students, local food suppliers, state and local officials will take place at Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore City from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Homegrown School Lunch Week is an element of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, signed into law in 2008. 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 Kick-off Event                                                      

WHEN:          Thursday, Sept. 15

10:00               Speaking program begins at the school

10:30-11:00     Ribbon cutting ceremony, tour of hoop houses and school garden, tasting station featuring local Maryland products, interaction with VIPs, students and suppliers.

WHERE:       Frederick Douglass High School (Baltimore City) 2301 Gwynns Falls Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21217

WHO:             Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder; Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr.Sonja Santelises, MSDE Deputy State Superintendent for School Effectiveness & Chief Performance Officer Dr. Sylvia A. Lawson, Baltimore City Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department Executive Director Liz Marchetta, and Frederick Douglass High School Principal Kelvin E. Bridgers.

NOTE:           Please confirm attendance by calling 410-841-5744 or 410-841-5888.

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