MEDIA ADVISORY: Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Brings Fresh Maryland Food to Public Schools

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 1, 2011) – 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 fourth annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 12-16.  A statewide kick-off celebration with special educational activities and local lunch with students, farmers, and federal, state and local officials will take place at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in St. Mary’s County from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9.

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 Senator Jamie Raskin and Del. Sheila Hixson of Montgomery County, was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley.  The program is designed to help educate students about where their food comes from, 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 Celebration

WHERE: Benjamin Banneker Elementary School (St. Mary’s County)
27180 Point Lookout Road, Loveville, MD 20656.  (301) 475-0260

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHO:  Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance; Interim State Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Bernard J. Sadusky; St. Mary’s County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano; St. Mary’s Board of Education Chair Dr. Salvatore Raspa; Benjamin Banneker Elementary School Principal Debra Bowling

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